For 26 years, Martha Fletcher has been a cornerstone of Byron Middle School, teaching eighth-grade social studies with passion and purpose. But her contributions extend far beyond the classroom. Through her work organizing Byron’s Veterans Day program, Martha has created a tradition that connects students, families, and the community while paying tribute to the sacrifices of service members.

“I love teaching eighth grade,” Martha says. “These kids are goofy, curious, and eager to learn, but they’re also mature enough to start grasping bigger concepts about the world.” Over the years, Martha has taught sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, but eighth grade has always been her favorite. “It’s such a pivotal time,” she adds. “They’re not quite high schoolers, but they’re ready to engage with real-world ideas.”

Martha’s passion for history and her personal connection to service members inspired her to transform Byron’s approach to Veterans Day. The turning point came in 2010, after the loss of one of her former students, Alec Catherwood, a Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan. “Alec was one of those kids you don’t forget,” she reflects. “He was kind, upbeat, and determined to serve his country. When I attended the ceremony for his return, it was one of the most emotional moments of my life.”

At the time, Veterans Day wasn’t formally celebrated at the school, but Martha was determined to change that. “I realized we had to do more to honor these sacrifices,” she says. With the support of her principal, Martha launched Byron’s first Veterans Day program—a simple event led by staff. But after seeing a student-led program in another district, Martha knew Byron’s event could evolve. “I came back and said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” she recalls. “I wanted our kids to take ownership of it.”

Today, the Veterans Day program is entirely student-run. Eighth graders write the scripts, conduct interviews, and invite veterans from the community to participate. The event features performances by the eighth-grade band and choir, as well as videos and skits written by students. “It’s incredible to see what these kids accomplish,” Martha says. “They meet before school, after school, whenever they can. They pour their hearts into it.”

This year’s program was a resounding success, with over 40 veterans in attendance and a pre-pandemic-level audience of more than 100 community members. “The kids ran the entire event—you didn’t see an adult on stage,” Martha beams. “It’s a testament to their dedication and the pride they feel in honoring our veterans.”

Beyond Veterans Day, Martha’s teaching style emphasizes making history relevant and engaging for her students. From reenacting the Dust Bowl to hosting mock elections, she brings history to life in ways that resonate with her class. “We just started World War II, and the kids are buzzing with questions,” she says. “They see how history impacts their lives today.”

Though not a Byron native—Martha grew up in Galena—she has come to love the community and its unique blend of small-town warmth and big opportunities. “Byron is special,” she says. “The support we get from families and the resources we have make it an amazing place to teach.”

As she reflects on her career, Martha is most proud of the connections she’s built with her students. “Teaching isn’t just about delivering content,” she says. “It’s about building relationships and helping kids see their potential. When they leave my classroom, I want them to feel confident, capable, and ready to make a difference.”

For Martha Fletcher, history isn’t just a subject—it’s a way to inspire action, foster community, and honor the past. Through her teaching and her leadership in the Veterans Day program, she’s made an indelible mark on Byron Middle School and the lives of its students.