Caledonia — As a senior last year at Caledonia High School, Brody Woodwyk spearheaded fundraising efforts for a memorial he designed to honor CHS alumni and community members who have served in the military.
One year later, on the eve of Veterans Day, the Class of 2024 graduate stood in front of the completed veterans memorial wall and spoke to CHS staff and students, district leadership, local veterans and their families at its dedication ceremony.
Woodwyk said he was proud to have been a part of making his vision a reality, and grateful for his school and community’s support.
“This memorial is for those who are still here with us and for those who we may not see but their presence still thrives,” he said, and thanked “all of the veterans who have dedicated their lives to ensure the protection and freedom of our great country.”
Kelly Heyboer, CCS Parent Student Teacher Organization president, said former CHS principal Joe Lienesch brought an initial concept for a military recognition wall to the group in 2020. Without the funds or available volunteers, however, the idea never came to fruition.
Woodwyk’s idea was all his own, however, inspired by veterans’ stories he heard at the 2023 Armed Forces Thanksgiving Luncheon. During his senior year, he raised $11,658 to build the memorial inside the high school, in collaboration with the PSTO and CHS history teacher Heather Tornes.
The newly installed touchscreen memorial houses a database of photographs and information about Fighting Scots dating back to World War I who went on to serve their country after graduation.
CHS Principal Bill Martin said he hopes the memorial wall serves as a constant reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to veterans.
“Let it be a source of pride for our school community and a symbol of enduring spirit and patriotism that unites us all,” he said.
Brian Stauffer, American Legion Post 305 commander, spoke at the dedication ceremony, alongside two local veterans, CHS Class of 2019 grad Patrick Gillies and Caledonia resident Gary Bloemers.
“Each name in this memorial represents a story of valor and dedication, a reminder of the strength that unites us as a community,” Stauffer said. “To our veterans here today, thank you for your service. Your bravery inspires us all and your legacy will forever be an inspiration for future generations.”
Woodwyk received handshakes and praise from several veterans and their families who attended, including a heartfelt thank-you from 97-year-old U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force veteran Dallas Erickson, from the CHS Class of 1945.
Since graduating from Caledonia, Woodwyk has been living out his childhood dream of attending the Army ROTC program at Michigan State University, and plans to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.
“You wouldn’t believe it. I’ve only been (at MSU) since August and it’s already changed me so much as a person,” he said. “I’m honored to be there.”
Read more from Caledonia:
• Armed Forces Thanksgiving message: aim high, persevere
• Fighting Scot alum helps make Olympic history
