High school student brings wreath event to Juliaetta

Kali Nelson, Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Moscow, Idaho
·2 min read

Dec. 9—Kendrick High School student Bailey Worthey had two simple goals for her senior project. It had to be both community and career focused.

At the end of her junior year Worthey thought about volunteering for a veterinarian, but she soon changed her mind. She wanted, instead, to honor local veterans.

Worthey, from Juliaetta, credits the change to her senior project mentor, Mike Domaskin. Discussions with Domaskin led her to the idea of honoring his service to the country, and the service of others. Worthey set out, with the guidance of community members, to add the American Ridge Cemetery in Juliaetta to the Wreaths Across America program.

"I've learned a lot, especially how much the community wants to be involved in projects like this," Worthey said.

The cemetery is now one of four on the Palouse participating in the Wreaths Across America. The mission of the nonprofit organization is to, "Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom." Last year, about 2.7 million wreaths were laid on the graves of military veterans in December.

The Juliaetta cemetery will have its wreath laying ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16. A map of all locations across the United States is available online at wreathsacrossamerica.org.

All seven of the cemeteries in the Troy Cemetery District have wreaths laid on the graves of veterans. This year, ceremonies will be held at the Burnt Ridge Cemetery at 9 a.m. Dec. 16. There will be a 1 p.m. ceremony at the Beulah Cemetery that day.

As part of her year-long project, Worthey attended Wreaths Across America meetings in Clarkston and met with American Legion members. She attended a Juliaetta City Council meeting to invite the mayor and councilors to attend the ceremony.

"The response I got from the community was great," Worthey said.

This week, Worthey and Domaskin have been putting plans into motion. They have gathered the wreaths and started preparations for the ceremony, joining the more than 2 million volunteers at 4,000 cemeteries nationwide participating in the event, according to Wreaths Across America data. Anyone is welcome to volunteer to organize a group, place a wreath or offer financial aid.

For more information about Wreaths Across America visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Nelson can be reached at knelson@dnews.com.