Fifth graders' daily task shows responsibility, respect

Rector Elementary fifth graders Jerrica Stokes and Matthew Hynds are entrusted with a very special duty.

Each day, the young students are responsible for putting up and taking down the Arkansas and United States flags which fly at the elementary building's main entrance.

Jerrica, who is in Mrs. Leisa Wesley's class, and Matthew, who is in Mrs. Barbara Robertson's class, were selected for the daily task by their teachers because of their good behavior and responsible natures. Matthew is the 10-year-old son of Lora and Chris Hynds. Jerrica is the 10-year-old daughter of Cynthia and Alvin Stokes.

In handling the flags each day, the two students have received proper instruction in how to take care of the patriotic symbols.

"You have to fold the flag a certain way," Matthew said. "You have to take care of it and keep it looking nice."

"When you fly them," Jerrica added, "the American flag has to be on top."

"You always take care of the flags because they're important," Matthew said. "They're the symbols for our country and our state."

Monday marked the first time Matthew and Jerrica performed their duties on their own. Prior to this, they received help from RES principal Johnny Fowler.

"Mr. Fowler helped us at first," Jerrica said. "Now that we know what to do, it's up to us."

As part of their routine, the two retrieve the flags from the office each morning just before 8 a.m. Working together, they hook the flags to the steel cable of the flag pole, raising them high for all to see. Each afternoon, prior to the sounding of the final bell, they head outdoors once again to retrieve the flags, folding them and properly storing them in their individual boxes.

Since the flags at RES are raised and lowered every day school is held, Matthew and Jerrica will be performing their duties in all types of weather. Tuesday morning was cool and damp, yet the two students never batted an eye in doing their task.

Matthew noted soldiers are often required to perform their duties in much worse conditions.

"A little wind and rain isn't going to stop us from showing our respect by flying the flags."

The task also has educational value, according to Fowler.

"It's a good way for the kids to learn about the flag and its importance," Fowler said. "It also helps them learn about responsibility and working together."

Responsibility could be a key ingredient for both students in the future. Jerrica says she hopes to become a veterinarian. Matthew says his goal is to be a doctor one day. Both fields require a healthy dose of responsibility and hard work in order to succeed. Perhaps these two young students have already begun their first steps toward success, starting on the journey together at RES.