Paperclips

The Davis Academy 6th grade recently visited the Children's Holocaust Memorial in Whitwell, Tennessee. It has been more than a decade since The Davis Academy has made this important pilgrimage. Our visit reminded those of us who were part of Davis in the earlier years that our school helped support this unique and incredible memorial when it was being completed. As such, it was a powerful opportunity to reconnect. Aside from the fact that our busses encountered a bit of Friday afternoon traffic it was a fabulous experience for all involved. Here is a reflection from 6th grader Darcy Deneen (published here with her family's permission):

I think the Whitwell field trip was amazing. It was very meaningful, and it made me think. It is important to lean about the Holocaust because we need to be able to teach the generations that come after us. It was amazing how these non-Jewish people from a very rural and small community would even think to do such a meaningful project. Seeing and feeling all those paperclips made me realize that I am so lucky to be alive. As I was touching all the paperclips, I picked up a handful and counted them. There were 7 paperclips, which means I was holding 7 souls that  that have died. You can't imagine it until you see it. This trip was a valuable and meaningful moment and experience.