A big part of Mrs. Lane’s passion for history can be traced back to her grandfather and three uncles, who all served in the armed forces during World War II.
“I share a lot about my family’s military heritage with my students,” Mrs. Lane, Jr./Sr. High School social studies teacher, said. “I try to stimulate them to figure out who they are, where they came from, why it’s important and how it can all be applied to what they are learning.” 
In addition to what they may already know through conversations with their own family members, Mrs. Lane’s students had the rare opportunity for a hands-on history lesson from those who have lived through so much, including members of the “Greatest Generation.”
On November 26, and in celebration of Veterans Day, about 50 of Mrs. Lane’s eighth grade honors, eleventh grade regents and advanced placement U.S. history students went to Brookdale Senior Living in Clinton to visit with more than 20 veterans who either reside or work at the facility. Students were broken up into groups, and each group, prepared with questions, had the chance to talk to three or four different veterans. Many of the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans not only had stories to tell, but photographs, medals and other mementos from their time in the service to share.
“The history collectively in the room was just mind boggling,” Mrs. Lane said. “There was a 96-year-old gentleman who served in the worst parts of the Pacific during World War II, and another gentleman who served in the worst parts of Europe. He received three purple hearts and a bronze star."
Alyssa Christopher and Autumn Millington, both eighth graders, were among the students who spoke with veterans. Both say the experience was incredible.
“It was really neat to hear all of their stories,” Alyssa said. “Some were sad, but I think it’s very important they shared what they did because they aren’t going to be around forever.”
“We learn some of the stuff they talked about in school, but to hear it from them firsthand was amazing,” Autumn added. “As they spoke, it was almost like we were there, or went back in time.”
Every year, Mrs. Lane teaches her students about the unique meanings of Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day. She plans on bringing another group of students to Brookdale Senior Living to visit with veterans in May around Memorial Day.
She envisions the endeavor becoming an annual, and very worthwhile, tradition.
“World War II veterans, inevitably, are a dwindling population,” Mrs. Lane said. “By conversing with them and other veterans and ultimately sharing their stories, we can keep their legacy and sacrifice alive.”