anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
40 CANON-MAC
Canon-McMillan 2018 Graduate Shares Gift of Gratitude with South Central Elementary
On Wednesday, September 17, South Central Elementary received a very special gift from one of its own community members. First Lieutenant Zachary Keyes, a proud 2018 graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, donated an American flag to the school as a lasting symbol of his service, sacrifice and gratitude.
This particular flag carries deep significance. It was proudly flown on a U. S. military vehicle during patrol operations in Eastern Syria from November 2024 through July 2025. The flag accompanied LT Keyes and his fellow service members through months of deployment.
LT Keyes said that the flag became a symbol of encouragement for him during his deployment, representing a sense of home.
“ We are deeply honored that LT Keyes chose to share this piece of his journey with us,” said Robert Miele, South Central Elementary Principal.“ His gift shows our students that the whole community stands behind them. The flag honors Zachary’ s service and symbolizes the way our schools, neighbors and community support one another.”
Miele added that the gift also creates an opportunity for students to learn about service and gratitude beyond the school environment.
“ When our students see this flag, I hope they understand that every symbol has a story,” Miele said.“ This one represents courage and the importance of giving back to the places that shaped you.”
He said that gestures like LT Keyes’ remind students that they are part of a connected and caring community.
“ We often tell our students that once you’ re part of South Central, you’ ll always be part of South Central,” Miele continued.“ LT Keyes truly embodied that message by bringing a piece of his experience back home to share with the next generation.”
The flag will be carefully framed and encased for preservation to honor LT Keyes ' donation. It will be displayed in the school’ s student lobby, where it will serve as a daily reminder of courage for all those who serve.