Altus High School recently hosted the Oklahoma City National Memorial’s Journey of Hope program. Students watched a video of the events of April 15, 1995. They also heard from Melanie Hall, a survivor of the bombing and Altus alumna, and Pat Hall, a Memorial Trustee, who spoke to the students about their experiences on April 15, 1995. Melanie Hall is a survivor who was working downtown when the bomb exploded. She discussed the need to use our words and civil discourse to work through our differences instead of turning to violence. Students in attendance learned about the Oklahoma Standard and how they can continue this legacy through acts of kindness.
After the program, Altus FFA officers and members of the National Forest Service planted the Survivor Tree sapling outside of the Ag. facility. The American Elm is a symbol of hope and healing, with saplings planted throughout our nation. Marble from the rubble was used to create a marker that will be placed next to the sapling.