Recent graduate presents American flag to district

Former Greencastle-Antrim School Board student representative Caylen David returned for Thursday evening's meeting to present a large wooden American flag to the district.

David, who graduated in June and is headed to the University of Pennsylvania, thanked the district leadership and dedicated the flag on behalf of board member Eric Holtzman, a family friend.

The flag made its way to Greencastle from South Carolina. It was created from the pews from a burnt church by Chad Caton, a disabled firefighter, military veteran and family friend, David explained. The words of the Pledge of Allegiance are written in the white stripes of the flag.

He started his presentation by talking about the word "indivisible" in the Pledge of Allegiance and how he believes it is the main ingredient in unity.

"Unity as a country, unity as a community, unity as an organization and unity as a family," David said. "Greencastle-Antrim School District always has been and hopefully always will be a united family. Despite our ups and downs, our celebrations and our disagreements, our laughs and our tears, our district always seems to overcome any difference and all tribulations and move forward stronger than before.

"However, none of this momentum and strength can be accomplished without caring, competent, honorable and tenacious leadership," he continued. "Tonight, I would like to thank the entire Greencastle-Antrim leadership team for their continued efforts to maintain the legacy of our G-A family."

David said Holtzman is a man of integrity and principles who stands my his convictions regardless of their popularity.

"He's a true community advocate and his honorable service to this district speaks volumes about him as a man and conclusively reflects our ability to elect the right leaders as a community," David said.

"It is my honor to present this American flag to the Greencastle-Antrim School District on behalf of Eric Holtzman and as a sign of gratitude to all the members of our school community who have collaboratively made these buildings home," David concluded.

Holtzman said he was humbled by the gesture and said it is indicative of what a great district G-A is with students like David.

The flag will be placed at the high school, possibly in the lobby area with the Wall of Honor for patriotic documents or in the library media area.