Paci.c War Museum brings WWII history to Yorktown
Two representatives of the National Museum of the PaciSc Wars Outreach Program of Fredericksburg visited Yorktown ISD to lecture students about World War II Jan. 8. Coordinator Darby Cheek delivered an engaging presentation in the auditorium to students in grades Sve through 12 that traced World War II from its origins to its conclusion, with a particular emphasis on the PaciSc Theater. To bring history to life, he shared authentic artifacts and uniforms, inviting students to participate by dressing several volunteers as U.S. Marines and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Fifth-grader Molly Styra, eighth-grader Piper Peyton, and senior Aubrey Morehead were outfitted as WASPs, while fifth-grader Adrian Ybarra, eighthgrader Landric Gowens and junior Brock Puente were dressed as Marines.
Coordinator Jared Van Auken complemented the presentation by showcasing World War II–era communications and survival equipment, including a walkietalkie radio set and life raft survival gear. Students were given the opportunity to examine and handle the equipment firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by servicemen and women during the war.
The students seemed to enjoy the Outreach Program.
Senior Aubrey Morehead said, “I thought it was very cool wearing the clothes that former WASPs used to wear. I also thought the presentation was very interesting and very interactive with the students.”
Junior Brock Puente said, “I thought it was pretty cool, especially wearing the Marine uniform, even though it was a little big on me.”
Fifth-grader Molly Styra said, “I thought it was amazing. I liked being able to wear the WASP uniform. It was one of the best presentations I have ever attended.”
Fifth-grader Adrian Ybarra said, “I thought it was cool. I learned that one of the Marines who raised the United States flag at Iwo Jima was from Yorktown. It was also an honor to wear the uniform, and it felt like I was a real Marine back in 1941. I also really liked the boxed radio and acting like a Marine.”
Eighth-grader Piper Peyton said, “The whole presentation was an overall amazing experience. I really enjoyed everything about the presentation.”
Eighth- grader Landric Gowens said, “The presentation was a spectacular experience. I learned so much about World War II.”
As a follow-up to the visit, Yorktown High School juniors and seniors will travel to Fredericksburg in April 2026 to tour the National Museum of the Pacific War, further deepening their understanding of this pivotal period in American and world history.
The outreach program offers visiting outreach programs to schools with at least 30 days notice from the teacher requesting the visit. Schools in South Texas must have at least 20 students participating and schools in other areas must have at least 100 students.
Val Acree is an instructor at Yorktown High School and has a B.A. in English from Augusta State University and an M.A. in History from Sam Houston State University.
