After the flag-raising ceremony, more than 1,200 students from grades 7 and 8 pinned yellow ribbons on their shirts.
“This is our way of showing our support to the troops,” Didi Tudela, a servicemember who supervised the tying of more than 100 ribbons at the school fence.
The weeklong celebration will feature various events that focus mainly on giving tribute to the troops, Tudela said.
Last week, Board of Education Chairwoman Marylou S. Ada signed a proclamation designating May 16 to 20 as Support Our Troops Week.
At Hopwood, there are seven teachers who are servicemembers including principal Jonas Barcinas.
The others are Tudela, Clarissa Mobel, Arayanee Maratita, Harley Eriich, Roman Benavente and Michael Berbes.
Today, students will submit their entries for the essay writing contest with the theme, “Why should we support our troops,” according to teacher Jackie Echon.
Entries will be judged on Wednesday. Prize for first place is $30; second place, $20; and third place, $10.
On Thursday, Echon said students will make postcards, letters and notes for the school’s servicemembers.
The students will also bring various presents like fruits and chocolates for the “food basket” to the troops, she added.
On Friday, students will wear yellow or camouflage to express their support of the troops.
At least 45 teachers in the PSS are under the Troops to Teachers program.
Tudela said teachers who also serve the military will have a luncheon meeting with Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan on Friday at the Hyatt.
