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Literature of War Students Hear Veteran’s Firsthand Account

S.A.
Jerald Botley, a former Sodexo (campus facilities) employee, recently spoke to Head of Upper School Liz Perry's Literature of War and Advanced Literature of War classes. Botley shared his compelling story of serving two tours with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Throughout the semester, students explore important topics such as why we go to war, the effect war has on those who serve, and how civilians digest the news surrounding war. Students also examine various perspectives on war as they read and dissect works of nonfiction and fiction. Botley’s visit provided a firsthand account that powerfully connected what students are learning in the classroom to the real world.

"Mr. Botley shared his perspective as a veteran of both the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, responding to students' questions with bracing honesty. It's one thing to read about combat experiences in literature and quite another to hear directly from a veteran. Students asked about topics ranging from his time in boot camp to special forces training to coping with the psychological impacts of war to how soldiers maintain a sense of humor. The hour flew by, and everyone could have stayed much longer," shared Perry.

Thank you, Jerald Botley, for taking the time out of your day and sharing your story with our students.
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St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.