Woodmen of the World are continually looking for ways to instill pride in country in America's youths and promote patriotism among all citizens.

Rogers Powell, Woodmen of the World Local Lodge 420, and Kimberly May, field representative for the Woodmen, were at Pike Liberal Arts School Tuesday to present American flags and patriot handbooks to the students and faculty.

"Lodge 420 is committed to doing all we can to help our young people develop a strong since of pride in our country and to help them understand what our country stands for and the learn about its history," Powell said.

Powell presented 26 classroom American flags to representatives of the student body and presented Headmaster Larry Pickett with an American flag to be flown from the flagpole on the school's front lawn.

"We believe it is important that each teacher has an American flag visible in their classroom," Powell said. "And, we want every school to have a flag that is in good condition to fly from their flag pole."

Pickett expressed appreciation to Powell and Lodge 420 for the generous donations.

"Each day at Pike Liberal Arts, we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," he said. "I believe that is a good way to get the day started. Our students need to be reminded daily of the sacrifices that have made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have to day. The American flag is a symbol of those freedoms."

Powell said the flags are made possible through donations of the members of Woodmen of the World Local Lodge 420.

"We don't really have a fundraiser to support the project," he said. "We just call on our members and they always respond. This is a very important project and everyone realizes that and wants to be a part of it."

Powell and May also presented copies of The American Patriot's Handbook to the school.

The handbooks are courtesy of the Woodmen of the World Society and contain the Constitution of the United States, the Amendments to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and information on the states.

"There is also a section on the American flag - how and when to display it and the story behind the flag," Powell said. "There are photographs and biographies of each president from George Washington through George W. Bush. It's an excellent reference book for the students."

Powell said a similar presentation was made to the students at Pike County High School and presentations will also be made to Charles Henderson High School and Charles Henderson Middle School later in the year.

Woodmen of the World Local Lodge 420 also supports several health-related organizations including the American Kidney Foundation.

"Any time we are made aware of those who are having difficulties because of a serious illness, we try to help," Powell said.