Harlem Veteran Project hosts 5th annual gala

MACHESNEY PARK – The Harlem Veteran Project is hosting their fifth annual Harlem Veteran Project Gala on Saturday, May 14 at 4p.m. in the Harlem High School Auditorium.

Students from Harlem High School have been making documentaries for the past year about local veterans and civilians who experienced World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War firsthand.

At the Gala, the students will showcase their work from the past year, as well as sharing what they have learned from their veterans and civilians. The Gala is free of charge, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

Students join the Harlem Veteran Project by taking a class at Harlem known as American Veteran Documentary and Film.  They spend the entire year working on a documentary about one particular veteran or civilian—many have been working on their documentaries since June. The 28 students from the project will present their veteran or civilian with a copy of their documentary. Most of the documentaries are 20 to 40 minutes long.

Nick Stange, one of the Harlem High School teachers who leads the Vet Project, said a bit about the event.

“We’re really excited for this year’s Gala. The kids have been working hard on their docs and Gala clips, and so far they’re turning out well. I hope a lot of people come out to show their thanks for the sacrifices that our veterans have made.”

The Harlem Veteran Project has received much recognition for their work.  Students from the Vet Project have taken first in the Illinois Veterans & Community Classroom Project each of the past four years.

Over the summer, students from the Vet Project received a Project Excellence Award from the Illinois Comptroller at the Illinois State Fair in recognition for their efforts honoring veterans and civilians.

For further information about this event, please contact:Nick Stange Harlem HS Vet Doc Teacher, at (815) 654-4511 or email [email protected].