NEW CASTLE — Colonial School District presented a check for $12,543.74 to President of the Friends of Delaware Veterans Dave Skocik on May 15 at William Penn High School.

The donation was proceeds from “The Wall That Heals” display on the grounds of William Penn High School April 28-May 1. 

The Friends board, all veterans who work pro bono throughout the year, raise money for the Veterans Trust Fund, which is administered by the State Commission of Veterans Affairs through the Office of Veterans Services.

The fund provides one-time, hand-up grants to all generations of Delaware veterans in emergency need.

“The Wall That Heals” is a three-quarter size Vietnam Wall replica that travels the country and displays the names of 58,292 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. It includes the names of eight nurses killed during their service.

A separate “In Memory” display honored those who returned home from Vietnam and later died of injuries.

"We remain grateful to businesses, organizations, individuals, veterans, and the school itself for this tremendous outpouring of love and support and all who contributed to this noble effort, in particular, Nora Hutchinson, a math teacher who suggested bringing the display to the school," said Mr. Skocik.

Motivated by the memory of her late father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran, Ms. Hutchinson got buy-in from the school district, teachers, community businesses and leaders, and students for the project.

William Penn was the only school in the nation to participate in the program last year. 

For more information, visit DelawareVeteransTrustFund.com.