Dear Editor,

Let’s give Harry our best effort.

I believe that the intentions of everyone involved in deciding how to honor Harry J. Michael are well-meaning. We all want the best for our Medal of Honor winner. I want to submit the following line of reasoning for wanting to name the new Milford Elementary School after Harry J. Michael.

As a teacher and coach for almost 40 years, I have a pretty good grasp on how to educate and work with young people. I will use the word pedagogy, which is a $15 word that is defined as the “method(s) and practice of teaching.” One of these methods is the use of repetition. We all remember learning our multiplication tables by using flash cards, or reviewing for a history test by similar methods. The result of this method is that it works. Another method is by telling stories, which leave a lasting impact on the listeners and most likely result in that story being passed on from generation to generation.

So with these two methods in mind, let’s explore the opportunities presented by naming the new Milford Elementary School after Harry. First of all, every day when our kids come into the school they will see a showcase with possibly a bust and/or picture(s) of Harry along with his medals, including the Medal of Honor. They will see letters recognizing Harry as a Medal of Honor winner, including one signed by President Harry S. Truman. They will also see the letters Harry won as a three-sport athlete at Milford High School. Each day at Michael Elementary, our kids will be exposed to a real American hero who in his short life displayed all the qualities of love of country, hard work, dedication, teamwork and much more, all of which we want our kids to value in their lives.

Creative teachers will be able to develop lesson plans that include Harry’s story and allow students to make posters, write essays, do re-enactments and research many other American heroes. The possibilities are only limited by the imaginations of teachers and students.

In my decades of teaching and coaching, I felt it my duty to demand the very best from our kids. The naming of the park is a good idea, and I applaud it. However, is it the best we can do? I think we can do better; I think we can have an impact on many future generations by putting Harry J. Michael’s name on the new Milford Elementary School. I think that would be our best effort. Harry gave us his best effort. Now we have an opportunity to thank him for the greatest sacrifice anyone can give.

Let’s give Harry our best effort.

Dave Baumgartner
1971 Graduate of Wawasee High School