A big congratulations is due to the students of Marley Park Elementary School. Over four weeks of fundraising, Marley Park Elementary classes have raised a total of $2,373.89 for the construction of the Veteran’s Commemorative Plaza. The permanent memorial will serve to honor all Veterans and will include engraved pavers to recognize those local Veterans who have served our country.

The Veteran’s Commemorative Plaza was an idea conceived by the Marley Park Community Association and in its completion will consist of a thirty-foot pole, a pentagon shaped marble base representing all branches of the military, park benches, and hundreds of engraved pavers. The plaza is set to reach completion in 2014 and will be the only permanent monument in the City of Surprise designed to memorialize the accomplishment and sacrifice of all veterans.

With the campus slogan “Build the VCP,” grade level classes at Marley Park Elementary School challenged each other to maximize contributions. Students generated artwork and fliers to hang throughout the school. A penny war competition was conducted by the fifth grade team while a Social Studies instructor accepted a “double your pledge week.” Students – from kindergarten to eighth grade – donated their allowances or contents of their piggy banks to the cause.

There is still time to have your school, organization, corporation or family represented in this historic project. Local contributors who would like to honor the community Veterans can also purchase a paver to support the construction. For more information, contact Social Studies teacher Mr. Raso at Christopher.raso@dysart.org or visit marleypark.com.