Sertoma National Heritage Program

Although Speech and Hearing continues to be Sertoma’s prime focus, Sertoma National Heritage Program is one of our most popular sponsorships.  In a recent survey, more than 71% of all local Sertoma Clubs participated in National Heritage programs.  Sertoma Clubs, as well as individual members, recognize the importance of our American history and freedom.  Sertoma projects around our Nation seek to promote education about the value of our precious American Freedom.

The Round Rock Sertoma Club provided a fun and informative experience for RRISD students.  The program, started by Gerald Bowyer three years ago, is aimed at 5th grade students who currently are studying about the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The story line involves ‘time travelers’ from General George Washington’s army who mysteriously are transferred more than 200 years into the future to Round Rock, Texas.  The soldiers are dressed in Colonial uniforms complete with three-cornered hats.  A Sertoman finds them and takes them to a local school.  At the school, the Colonials share their experiences concerning the War For Independence and our American Constitution.  Different students read each of the ten amendments that are the Bill of Rights.  After a detailed discussion of each of the ‘Rights’, all students are given a printed copy of the Bill of Rights (suitable for framing).  In return, the students teach the ‘Pledge of Alliances’ to the time travelers.

This year our Club provided eight Bill of Rights presentations to more than 1,300 5th graders from 12 RRISD Elementary Schools.  Mayor Kyle Maxwell and the Round Rock City Council proclaimed the week of February 16 through 22 as Sertoma National Freedom Week.

All of us involved think this is a fun presentation as well as informative for the students.  The ‘Colonial Actors’ included: Russell Gallahan, Tom Gill, Jim Brock, Marvin Felux and Alan McGraw.  The Sertoman narrators were Joe Lehane, Richard Prete, and Juan Campaneria.