<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3uTif7_1Gv3sr0e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3uTif7_1Gv3sr0e00" width="1200" height="900" >Did you know Forest Hill has its very own military veteran right in the classroom? Jennifer Spradlin spent 20 years serving our country before retiring in March 2025. Today, she brings that incredible background to her work as the school's Gifted and Talented Students teacher. Spradlin signed up for the Army right after graduating from Ellet High School, completing three years of active duty and 17 years in the National Guard. Along the way, she deployed for two tours in Iraq (2003–2004) and spent seven months in Afghanistan in 2010. She joined Forest Hill three years ago as a first-grade teacher before stepping into her current role. Bringing History to Life When Veterans Day rolls around, Spradlin uses her firsthand experience to break down what the holiday is all about. When she kicked off a discussion by asking her third graders, "What is a veteran?" one student guessed, "Someone who takes care of animals!" Owen Nave jumped in to say, “Someone who served in the military.” Spradlin cleared up the confusion between a veterinarian and a military veteran, adding that the word can also describe anyone who has spent a long time in a specific career. From there, the kids called out different branches of service—Army, Air Force, Marines, and the National Guard—and shared stories of family members who served. "My uncle is in the Air Force," shared third grader Bijul Vangpang, who drew a picture of soldiers and a spaceship. Spradlin also taught them about the Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Cards from the Heart Every year, Spradlin encourages her students across all elementary grade levels to make handmade Veterans Day cards. She remembers how much getting letters from home—like ones from local Boy Scout troops—meant to her while deployed overseas. "In a weird way, they made me feel connected, safe, and proud," she recalled. Forest Hill students from first through fifth grade poured their creativity into the project. Owen drew military bases on his card. Nailah Odongo drew the American flag and soldiers saluting. Some of their heartwarming messages included: ● “I hope you will stay on call of duty. I love you.” ● “We are very thankful for your help and protection.” ● “Thank you veterans for keeping us safe and protecting our country and taking a risk.” "They worked so hard on these cards," Spradlin said. "I’m super proud of them." Making an Impact at Home While serving in the National Guard, Spradlin wasn't initially sure what her second career would be. She considered book editing, but friends kept pointing out how natural she was with kids. That led her to teaching, and she hasn't looked back since. "I grew up in Akron and went to Akron Public Schools," she said. "I wanted to stay local and give back to my community." Principal Juanita Rogers is grateful Spradlin was able to stay at Forest Hill after her promotion. "We are so lucky to have her. She’s an excellent teacher who keeps kids engaged and really challenges their thinking skills." She said it was an easy promotion.“She was perfect for the job because she was already doing the job. She was integrating STEM activities in all of her subjects on a daily basis.”Touching Lives in the Community The students' cards were shared during a Veterans Day dinner at the Veteran Services Commission Building on Waterloo Road. The gestures meant the world to local service members. Tracey Bradford, an Air Force veteran from Fairlawn, admitted the cards were very touching. “Reading them made me tear up and hopeful about our youth.”Les Carney, an Army veteran from Akron, added, "You could tell the kids put real thought into their words and drawings. I enjoyed reading them."</div></body>

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Did you know Forest Hill has its very own military veteran right in the classroom?. Jennifer Spradlin spent 20 years serving our country before retiring in March 2025. Today, she brings that incredible background to her work as the school's Gifted and Talented Students teacher. Spradlin signed up for the...

Forest Hill Students Salute Local Veterans

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Did you know Forest Hill has its very own military veteran right in the classroom?. Jennifer Spradlin spent 20 years serving our country before retiring in

Forest Hill Students Salute Local Veterans

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