Standing up for Old Glory

By Eric Stevick

Herald Writer

MARYSVILLE — In some circles at Marysville Pilchuck High School, the state’s largest student body is simply called "the city."

On Friday, that teeming metropolis of 2,700 teen-agers streamed out onto the football field and stood as one — a 60-yard-long human flag of red, white and blue.

At an age when many push the limits of dress codes, they clothed themselves in their country’s colors and reflected on its freedoms. Old Glory wore a fresh and hopeful face in the wake of terrorist attacks that have stolen some of its innocence.

Friday’s assembly and flag formation was an effort to encourage each student and teacher to take pride in being American, while instilling self-respect and appreciation of others.

"In the time of fright, anger, need and hope, we must stick together," senior Joe Davis told his fellow students during the early-morning assembly. "These are times we need each other the most, the times we need to love our neighbors no matter what skin color, what race or religion."

On Sept. 11, senior Aschley Hardesty watched the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in horror. Her cousin, a tourist, died that day.

"A week has passed, but my confusion hasn’t," Hardesty said. "I wonder, as most of you do, why? … We have all lost something, a loved one, even a sense of security. So I ask us all to unite."

The students heard from Everett Fire Chief Murray Gordon and Capt. Daniel Squires, commanding officer of Naval Station Everett. Squires, who witnessed hatred firsthand in Bosnia, central Africa and Jerusalem, marveled at the diversity in his homeland.

"I love America because it is a peaceful mix of diverse people, a mix of religions, races and cultures that has become the world’s defender of personal freedom and individual rights," he said.

Students from the school’s DECA program, which is part of a national student marketing association, played a major role in organizing the event. Yet, Jim Pankiewicz, their marketing teacher, said it took contributions from an entire school to pull it off.

Students urged others to wear America’s colors. With collegial decorum, they formed their flag and looked skyward as a photographer in a Navy helicopter recorded their image.

Beforehand, on the hardwood floor of a darkened gym, 170 students formed a candle-lit star. The candles were to honor the dead and injured in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Pankiewicz, who has taught for 29 years and 14 days, told the students he can’t go to New York to help, but can make a difference in his own community.

"To honor those who died, those who showed courage and particularly those who are still suffering, it is important for each of us to treat ourselves with respect and to treat others with respect," he said.

"In the face of darkness, I choose light and I choose to spread light," he said, before passing a candle to a student.

In the weeks ahead, the school will embark on fund-raising efforts for the American Red Cross and fallen firefighters.

You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446

or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.