Wasilla High School music students participate in historic Alaskan milestone

WASILLA — Wasilla High School’s music program reached new heights when their band performed during a dedication ceremony celebrating the permanent installation placed by the Foundation Forward through their National Charters of Freedom program.

“It was just magnificent,” WHS band director Jackie Johnson said.

The Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights were installed inside a display in downtown Wasilla within the Armed Forces Honor Garden with Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other special guests in attendance Monday, Sept. 20.

These founding documents are known as The Charters of Freedom and are officially available for public view.

The city of Wasilla accepted the patriotic gift from Foundation Forward who’ve placed permanent fixtures at 36 locations across the country, according to a recent press release.

Foundation Forward is a 501©(3) educational foundation that was created by Vance and Mary Jo Patterson of Burke County, North Carolina who were originally inspired by their first visit to the National Archives to see the founding documents.

“Seeing something our founding fathers had actually penned, and then seeing their signatures – Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Rutledge, Wilson, and the others, I just got goosebumps. And, then when we moved over and saw those first three words of The Constitution, We The People, I actually got a lump in my throat.” “It was really an emotional experience,” Foundation Forward co-founder, Vance Patterson stated in the press release.

Johnson said the Wasilla installment is the first one in Alaska, making the occasion a particularly exciting and memorable experience for her students.

The Pattersons continue to dedicate their time to share that emotional experience with communities across the country, establishing sites in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Virginia.

Johnson marveled at the inspiring cause. She said that she was thankful her students had the chance to participate in this historic milestone for the state and be a part of Foundation Forward’s mission to set up easily accessible locations so communities can view these founding documents in a proper setting without having to incur the cost of traveling to Washington, D.C.

“It was just a fantastic day and I was really glad we got to be a part of that moment in history,” Johnson said.

Valley schools can now send classes to visit the site for a hands-on education in American History and Civics.

“Imagine if you will school teachers bringing their third, fourth, and fifth-grade classes to their Charters of Freedom for annual field trips to learn a little about our founding fathers, the history surrounding the beginning of our country, and how the government is meant to serve and protect We The People. This local access will also provide a place for citizens to gather, celebrate, honor, and reflect,” Patterson stated.

Johnson said the school’s music program is thriving in spite of all the challenges in and around the pandemic.

She noted they’re planning a separate trip down to Washington D.C. and raising funds through various raffles, events, and other efforts. She said their booster club parents are doing a great job raising funds and supporting their program across various capacities, going above and beyond. The trip is planned around the Lincoln Memorial Centennial Celebration.

“I can’t do this alone,” Johnson said. “It’s all coming together at the right time. I couldn’t ask for a better group. It’s good to have that kind of support. I don’t think I could pull this all off by myself, so the parents are a vital part of what we’re doing.”

Donors Plaques will be installed as part of the Charters of Freedom setting for area residents to honor loved ones, active duty military or veterans, first responders, businesses, or organizations. These can be purchased from Foundation Forward for a tax-deductible donation. For more information, visit chartersoffreedom.com or call 828-522-1400.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com