Seton High School oral history day connects students with veterans

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Students at Seton High School took part in the school’s oral history day, sitting down one-on-one with veterans and their spouses for direct conversations about military service.

Every student at Seton High School participates in the event before graduating.

‘The gold standard of events’

Social studies teacher Jason Berling said the format gives students direct access to people who lived the history they are studying.

“One vet has told me that this is the gold standard of events… three or four students have a direct conversation, can ask questions to a person who lived it,” Berling said.

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Berling said students come prepared, doing research before sitting down with the veterans and their loved ones.

“We could read every drop of ink that’s been spilt about the Vietnam War and not quite understand what it was like to be a Vietnam veteran,” Berling said. “But the students can come a lot closer to that when they actually talk to someone who’s lived it.”

Vietnam veteran shares his story

Vietnam veteran Michael Donnelly served as a Specialist Four, managing food distribution for approximately 50,000 troops a day. Donnelly said students arrived familiar with his written memoirs.

“In my case, I wrote my memoirs… they’ve all read it, so they come and ask me questions,” Donnelly said. “They’re very prepared.”

Students reflect on the experience

Seton juniors Lucy Emmett and Grace Deters said the conversations made an impression.

“I think that’s amazing that they had the courage to do that, to stand up for their country,” Emmett said.

“The bravery is insane. I have never truly really thought about that,” Deters said. “And now that there’s wars going on and we’re almost 18 — it’s kind of reality now.”

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