PENDLETON — When faced with the task of choosing a senior project to qualify for the Summa Cum Laude diploma, two students found their ideas to be very complementary. Choosing to work together, Ashley Bartmas and Adam Garretson have launched a campaign to honor those who have served in the military.

“My grandfather was in the Navy in World War II and my uncle was in the Army,” Bartmas said. “I’m going to the Air Force Academy in Colorado. I’ve always wanted to be in the military and I have the opportunity to play soccer out there and also to become a fighter pilot, which is what I want to do.”

“I’m not going into the military, but my grandpa was in World War II and I thought the soldiers needed to be honored for the sacrifices they’ve made,” Garretson said.

Planning to erect five flagpoles to display flags from each branch of the military in a semicircle around the American flag at PHHS, the seniors are searching out the necessary funds.

Research, preparations, and consent are behind them — now they lack only the money.

“We made about 50 letters and took a couple days and went around to different businesses in the community and asked for donations,” Garretson said. “Our families and teachers have donated a lot. We’ve had checks sent to the school. We’ve gotten a lot of small donations that have added up over time and we are up to $1,000 now.”

Depending on the type of poles the school board chooses, the cost could range from $1,500 to $3,000.

If additional money is raised, it will be kept in an account to purchase replacement flags or for upkeep of the concrete.

Originally their idea also included a plague displaying the names of all PHHS students who served in the military.

“We are having trouble getting clearance from the Department of Defense,” Bartmas said. “We are probably going to end up with just a single plaque out front in honor of the sacrifice and the decisions that are made to go into the military.”

The purpose of the senior project is to accomplish not only something for the betterment of the community, but also tie the community and school together.

But any project teaches many lessons.

“I’ve learned a lot about organization and teamwork,” Garretson said. “It takes a lot of it to get something like this done.”