MANSFIELD — The sweet, young singing voices of St. Peter’s Elementary and Montessori School students could be heard outside the school building on Wednesday during a brief ceremony that honored local law enforcement officers.
Members of the Mansfield Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Office were treated to songs, cards, artwork and medals for their service to the community.
“I think in today’s world where police officers, sheriffs and military are not highly thought of, it was important that we teach our children at a very young age that we do value them and what they stand for,” said Madalyn Bauer, elementary school principal.
St. Peter’s was among many schools across the globe that commemorated International Day of Peace on Wednesday.
Students presented the 21 officers in attendance with St. Michael medals, which were shipped from Texas.
“My friend down in Texas started a mission called “Back the Blue” on Facebook to hand out medals of St. Michael, which is the patron saint of police officers and law enforcement,” said physical education teacher Amanda Grubar.
Much effort went into ceremony preparations. Bauer said the students started learning their songs the first day of school.
“This is a simple way to say thank you and let you know that your service doesn’t go unnoticed or unrecognized,” Father Gregory Hite told the officers.
