DOLAN SPRINGS, Ariz. – Approximately 180 Mt. Tipton Elementary students in grades K-6 participated in activities at their school Thursday, September 17, learning all about patriotism, how to vote, flag etiquette, how to respect veterans and more – all in honor of Constitution Day 2026.
Children assembled by grades in front of the school where they watched a military-style flag raising, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. They sat on the sidewalk very attentively as they listened to remarks from Principal Robert Brantingham, or Mr. B as everyone calls him, who has been principal of Mt. Tipton for six years. He thanked all the volunteers and fire department for being there. Mohave County Supervisor Don Martin told the children about the veterans and the Constitution.
“They were on the front lines and made it possible for you to be here today. The Constitution is the most important book next to the Bible,” Martin said. “It’s about we, the people. God, country and our military – they’re keeping us safe.”
Following speeches, the children lined up very orderly by grades and went inside the school for more learning about the Constitution.
There were seven sections in the school, tables and classrooms where the students spent 10 minutes in each area before rotating to the next. While in those areas, they learned about the Preamble of the Constitution, how to fold the flag and flag etiquette. They learned what each color in the flag stands for – red means courage, blue means bravery, and white means purity or innocence.
Volunteer Kathy Jo DeLong from VFW 19386 Auxiliary read them a book entitled, “H is for Honor.”
The kids were all given small flags to wave during closing remarks.
From the learning booths, the children assembled in the school’s gymnasium where Uncle Sam, aka Uncle Samantha, was waiting with questions about the Constitution.
Uncle Sam this year was Paula Avery, VFW Post 9833 Auxiliary Youth Chair and event organizer.
“I coordinate youth events to teach children patriotism, respect for veterans, and serving our veterans and our community,” Avery said. “We want to let everyone know they can volunteer. Their help is needed to instill patriotism in our youth.”
One volunteer, Tim Raduenz, came just to observe, but pitched in to help because several volunteers were a no-show.
“I grew up here,” Raduenz said. “I went to this school in grades K-8.”
