Aces Academy Unveils Military Project

This year’s Aces Day celebration was extra special for two reasons. Today marked the 20th anniversary of Aces Academy, and also saw the unveiling of a brand new military wall, honoring Aces graduates who have gone onto military careers.

Two students came up with the idea for the wall in their Leadership class, as a way to remind the community of the honorable men and women who serve our country. The girls each had personal ties to military personnel, sparking the idea for this project.

“My inspiration for this is my brother. He is in the Marines right now and he is in North Carolina,” said Aces student Taryn Bates.

When family and friends arrived, the wall was covered, but after a short speech from the students who worked on the wall the wrapping was torn away to reveal a display that left us breathless.

“It was really emotional. A few things that people said just kinda cracked me up, and it was hard. But I’m glad we did it,” said Aces student Erica Vanderbeer.

The celebration was bittersweet, as two families were present whose sons did not return home from their service. Lisa killion Stepanski, who lost her son Edward Boudrie two years ago, took the opportunity to share with us the kind of person her son was.

“He loved God, he loved his country, and he loved being a marine. And I really do think that if he had the chance to do it all over again…he wouldn’t change a thing,” she speculated.

Lisa and her daughter Aimee are honored that Aces will memorialize Edward Boudrie, their beloved son and brother, with a place on the wall, as this is the first time he has been publicly memorialized since his passing. One teacher said the pride students had in creating the wall says a lot about the respect they have for the military community.

“The students took a lot of pride, especially the ones who have family members in the military currently, or have known in the past. But just to watch them work religiously on this, to stay after school was very, very cool,” said teacher Kris Copping.

The display also serves to inspire Aces students. Many times, upon graduating Aces academy, students decide to join the armed forces. This wall shows students that serving in the military is an honor, and the community regards active duty and veteran grads with the utmost respect.