Owasso School Principal Spends Day On Roof

Craig day, News On 6

OWASSO, Oklahoma -- Students in one Green Country town are making sure some aging World War II veterans get the recognition they deserve. And their principal is going to great heights to give the kids a little extra incentive to do it.

Dierdre Hodge, principal of the Owasso 8th Grade Center, told students she'd spend the day on the roof if they raised enough money for a special cause.

"It was a way to challenge our students, and make them aware of the memorial and hopefully do our part," Hodge said.

For one week, students brought in their dimes and quarters and dollars for the Honor Flights program, which sends World War Two veterans to the National World War Two memorial in Washington D.C.

11/11/2010 Related Story: Oklahoma World War II Veterans Given Chance To Make Final Mission

"They deserve it," said Calaen Burton, an eighth grade student.

Their principal told the kids if they met their goal of $1,200 dollars, she would spend the school day on the roof. They raised $1,600.

"The envelopes with their change, they were so heavy, we could barely carry them, it was just incredible," Hodge said.

"Knowing that we can make so much and raise so much for them and send them over there, I think its special," said Kaci Loud, an eighth grade student.

And what makes the challenge even more memorable, is Hodge, an OSU grad, said she'd also wear an OU shirt and hold a Sooner sign all day.

"It's the only one I own," Hodge said about the shirt.

"I like OU, she likes OSU so it was like, it didn't work," Burton said.

"I love OU, and of course we all love this part," Hodge said, laughing.

"I think it's funny, because she doesn't like OU," Loud said.

But a Bedlam 180 is a small price to pay compared to the service and sacrifice made on our behalf.

"Those World War II vets were phenomenal," Hodge said.

Even though it's a chilly day, she's warmed by the generosity of the students, and the thought of more veterans getting a seat on an honor flight next spring.

All of Owasso's schools across the district are holding fundraiser's to send more World War II veterans to the national memorial in Washington as part of the Honor Flights program.