Local Seneca Valley graduate receives LEARN award from Wreaths Across America
Elise Ketler has had a passion for honoring veterans since she started middle school seven years ago.
On July 27, the same day she turned 18, her efforts were recognized when nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America presented her its semiannual LEARN award in Columbia Falls, Maine.
The 2024 Seneca Valley graduate is the seventh recipient of the award, which is given to a committed young person who best incorporates and demonstrates the organization’s mission in their daily lives. The award was given to her by Lorna Harris, a Gold Star Mother and Wreaths Across America board member.
“It’s kind of surreal to earn this award,” said Ketler. “I’ve put a lot of work into helping out any way I can. It’s very special for me to earn it — and to be able to share it with my family too is just an awesome feeling.”
Her mother, Connie Ketler, helped lay the foundation for her extensive philanthropic work, which has included raising more than $10,000 worth of wreaths to be laid upon veteran’s graves.
“I saw a Facebook advertisement promoting the organization, and that helped kick-start all of this,” Connie Ketler said. “We visited Washington, D.C., laid our wreaths and then went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Elise was hooked from that moment on, and she even wrote the organization a letter about her interest in getting involved. Since then, she’s always been very driven and passionate about her work with the organization.”
According to its website, Wreaths Across America has more than two million volunteers and supporters and has a presence at 4,225 participating locations in all 50 states and overseas.
Elise Ketler attended Seneca Valley’s Ryan Gloyer Middle School, which is named for Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, who was killed in 2016 in Afghanistan.
Nearing the end of her high school career, she added to the reach of Wreaths Across America with her senior project when she sponsored a new cemetery near Buffalo, N.Y., where her great grandfather, who fought in World War II, was laid to rest.
“I think it makes you a better American,” Elise Ketler said on the positive impact the organization has had when it comes to honoring all those who have served. “You really get to understand values and start to feel connected to the roots of our country. Supporting them, even through the smallest of things, just means a lot.”
She has had a goal of sponsoring at least 250 wreaths — which cost roughly $17 each — during the last three years and has reached that mark every year.
She will attend Penn State University in the fall and major in kinesiology with the eventual goal of pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
Ketler said the best way to get involved with the organization is to visit their website to find a cemetery nearby to lay wreaths. There is also information on how to coordinate laying wreaths at new locations across the country.
