The student who drew and painted the picture of the Commanding Officer's Quarter at Fort Bayard proudly holds his artwork. The rest of the students took part in a letter-writing campaign to save old Fort Bayard. (More photos below)
Barbara McKee's fourth grade class at Stout Elementary School did a letter-writing campaign to send letters to state Senator Howie Morales asking him to save old Fort Bayard. Student Maleah A. Diaz was the leader of the group.
Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society president, Cecilia Bell, spoke to the students about how the society is working with the state to get a lease for certain buildings on the Fort Bayard campus.
"A few weeks ago, members from the Western New Mexico University football team, helped us clear dead grass and debris from around the buildings," Bell said.
She invited some of the students to ride on the society's Fourth of July parade float, and said the fort's birthday would be held in August and Fort Bayard Days in September.
Bell asked if the students could also send copies of their letters to Congressman Steve Pearce, because he had helped make Fort Bayard a National Landmark.
When asked why the letters were important, Bell said because Fort Bayard is in danger of being purchased and the old hospital destroyed. She suggested the students also write a letter in the fall and ask the governor to attend Fort Bayard Days.
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
Maleah Diaz, the organizer of the letter-writing campaign, reads her letter.
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
One of the letters developed by a student
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
Three students collaborated on this one
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
Another student's letter
Stout Elementary class wants to save Fort Bayard
a drawing of the Commanding Officer's Quarters by one of the students.
