Foster’s War
Historical Fiction
Scholastic Inc.
November 1, 2000
272
5th Grade Boy Starts War Effort
San Diego Times
Article written by Owen M. Kreikemeier September 29th 1944
5th grade student Foster Simmons created his own War effort a few weeks ago at San Diego elementary. He named it the Youth War Effort and it has grabbed the attention of his whole school and of the students’ parents.
The Youth War Effort or YWE has hosted multiple successful activities supporting the war effort. According to the school and Foster himself, they’ve sold bonds to students of the school and collected metal scrap. “The collecting of scrap has become a sort of competition between the students which in turn encourages the children to collect more,” said the school’s principal, “They’re doing an incredible job supporting Fosters Effort.” Some children like Foster’s classmate Wilbur are very confident. “I’m gonna get more junk than all of the rest of you guys put together!” exclaimed young Wilbur.
Due to the growth and popularity of Foster’s cause, multiple mothers have volunteered to take control of the YWE from Foster. The pricipal told Foster, “I’ve taken the liberty of assigning it to some of the mothers and it will be their responsibility from now on.” The school gave a group of mothers control of the YWE a few days ago. Foster responded with this, “I liked leading the YWE but I’m glad the responsibility has been taken off my shoulders. It was fun but the responsibility grew and grew as it gained popularity so I’m glad I can pass on the lead to someone other than myself.”
The principal told us that they weren’t planning on the YWE stopping any time soon and that they were proud of what young Foster created. “I’m very proud of my son Foster.” Says his mother, “I can’t wait to see what will come from his idea.” The new leadership will continue leading activities and fundraisers for the children and sending all proceeds to the Military.