Fort Campbell students mark nation’s 250th anniversary with published poetry
Seventh-grade students at Fort Campbell Middle School have published a poetry collection celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, showcasing the voices and perspectives of military-connected youth.
The anthology, “ABCs of Me: Poems from the Children of America’s Heroes,” was developed in Dr. Ericka Perry’s creative writing class. It features alphabet-themed poems reflecting on duty, sacrifice, family and freedom.
The project encouraged students to explore complex ideas tied to patriotism, service and civic responsibility while connecting their personal experiences as military children to the nation’s semiquincentennial. Each student selected or was assigned letters of the alphabet to anchor original poems focused on vivid imagery and personal expression.
Students participated in peer editing workshops, sharing drafts and offering feedback to strengthen word choice and imagery. Final pieces were paired with patriotic visual elements before being compiled into a professionally bound book.
“Watching my students articulate their experiences as military children into poetry was profoundly moving,” Perry said. “It gave them a safe place to express their ideas creatively while showing their pride as children of America’s heroes. I am incredibly proud of how my young, published authors moved through the creative writing process to create something personal that showcased love for our country and their families. They created a beautiful story to share their experiences with others.”
Students said the assignment provided an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges and strengths of military life.
“I had fun writing my page for the book,” said seventh-grader Celia Ling. “I wrote about the rigor of my dad’s training. Through my poem I was also able to express my feelings about moving and deployment, which is something that most military kids experience often. Poems from me and my classmates show that we are not alone and that we are special.”
Classmate Parker Tolley said the project allowed students to express pride in both family and country.
“I loved making my poem because I was able to show my dedication to my family and country,” Tolley said. “Even though we may move and change schools, I keep my courage inside of me and I know that I can survive anything. My poem and drawing show the love I have for America. This was one of my favorite projects.”
As the nation commemorates 250 years of independence, the student publication offers a personal perspective on military life and the values of service and citizenship, told through the voices of those growing up in service families.
