Washington Montessori Public Charter School is the proud owner of a new 35-foot flagpole on its campus.

School staff and students and local officials gathered for a ceremony Friday morning to commemorate Woodmen of the World Chapter 626’s donation of the flag and flagpole, which was erected in honor of first responders.

The ceremony included speeches from Washington Mayor Mac Hodges, North Carolina Sen. Bill Cook and school administrators, as well as singing performances from students and music by the WMPCS Violin Tour Group.

First responders representing Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS, Washington Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Bunyan Volunteer Fire Department and N.C. State Highway Patrol were also in attendance.

“We are honored to have this as a reminder of the sacrifices that all of our first responders have made and continue to make on a daily basis to ensure our children’s safety,” Austin Smigel, director of administration and finance at Washington Montessori, said. “We are very thankful for Garland and Audrey Woolard and (the) Beaufort County chapter of the Woodmen of the World for their gracious donation. … The support that we receive from the community is phenomenal.”

Stacy Drakeford, director of Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS, said it means a lot to him personally to see a flag dedicated and to see people understand what the flag represents.

“It means a lot to first responders, especially students who take the time to dedicate a flag to those who serve their country, whether its military or other public safety officers who sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice,” Drakeford said.

He said it was good to see the students acknowledge the amount of sacrifice that goes into keeping residents safe.

“As a Montessori school, we are committed to educating the whole child and instilling three basic tenets: respect all living things; respect all nonliving things; show grace and courtesy,” Darla Prescott, director of academics and education at Washington Montessori, said. “Our school welcomes the opportunity to celebrate and demonstrate respect for our new flag and flagpole, as well as to honor and thank our firefighters, policemen and public servants who serve daily to protect us and to promote peace.”