A group of Gulf Shores High School students that have been raising funds for a Vietnam Veterans memorial received permission to place the memorial at the Gulf Shores Museum. Several students gave a presentation outlining the project to the mayor and city council during the May 24 regular council meeting.

Advanced Placement History and Advanced Placement Language and Composition students are completing a cross-curricular project focused on the Vietnam War and the Cambodian Genocide. The project includes reading the nonfiction novel “First They Killed My Father,” studying Vietnam, writing essays, hosting guest speakers and planning a cross-curricular design project.

The students said they were moved by their studies and want to honor local Vietnam Veterans with a community art project for the cross-curricular project. The Turtle Tracks program provided the students with a 4-foot-tall fiberglass sea turtle statue for the students to decorate. When complete a plaque will be added to honor veterans.

Turtle Tracks is a public art project dedicated to the awareness and support of environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and community arts and culture, while enhancing the quality of life along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Dozens of turtles dot the Gulf Coast and have been decorated by local organizations to represent various themes.

The students chose their design in April and by May 21 they had raised $3,070, painted the turtle and attended events to raise awareness and funds. They have also formulated a plan for the upkeep of the memorial. National Honor Society students will clean and maintain the memorial as part of their service hours to ensure it stays in pristine condition.

The students’ final step was to receive permission from city council to place the memorial in front of the Gulf Shores Museum. After their presentation, Mayor Robert Craft said, “I have no questions, but I am absolutely astounded not only by what you have done but also the presentation today.”

The students received a standing ovation from the audience.

Phillip Harris made a motion to grant permission for the placement of the Turtle Track memorial on the Gulf Shores Museum grounds and to cover any fundraising shortfalls. The motion was seconded by Jason Dyken and the council voted unanimously in favor.

“Thank you, students. We are glad to be partners with you and look forward to your next venture,” Crat said.

If you would like more information on this project, please email Natalie Hubbard nhuddard@gsboe.org or Amanda Reffitt areffitt.gsboe.org. Would you like to donate? Checks need to be made out to Gulf Shores High School and noted Veterans Memorial project. Donations can be mailed to Gulf Shores High School, 600 E. 15th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.