There they were, clad in their Red, White, and Blue attire, and in all their glory.

A sense of patriotism was indeed evident as St. John Neumann Regional School students continued their celebration of Catholic Schools Week on Wednesday.The day featured the program: Our Nation. Along with their attire, the students made cards for those who keep us safe locally. Pupils at the school's Slatington campus heard a presentation from K. Castaneda, author of "The Easter Bunny's Secret".Meanwhile, students at the school's Palmerton campus heard a presentation from environmentalist Dan Kunkle, who spoke with them about animals of Africa.Kunkle explained that back in 1992, he and his wife, along with several other individuals, went on a trip to Kenya.He then took the students along for the journey as they watched a slide show presentation that depicted pictures of all types of animals that were taken while on the trip.In between, Kunkle mixed in several questions for the students, who were able to answer them correctly.At the end of his presentation, Kunkle complimented the students for their patience."You were wonderful," Kunkle said. "That was long."Afterward, the students honored Kunkle for all the service and sacrifice he has put into reviving the Blue Mountain in Slatington and creating the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.Instructors Georgia Hodyl and Fran Lenahan then presented Kunkle with a plaque, while the students gave him flowers as a token of their appreciation.In turn, Kunkle praised the school and its students for their cooperation."I enjoy this great partnership we have," Kunkle said. "I really enjoy my relationship with this school."The theme of Catholic Schools Week 2013 is "Catholic Schools Raise the Standards".Today highlighted the program: Our Faculty, Staff and Volunteers, as students reported to the Palmerton campus for a morning mass in the Sacred Heart Church. There was also Prayer Partner Activities, as well as H&SA Ice Cream Treat.Thursday featured the program: Our Vocations, as the Palmerton campus had a PJ Day, while the Slatington campus had Crazy Hat & Sock Day. There were also speakers on Religious/Priestly Life, while the Slatington campus hosted a Special Persons Luncheon and Scholastic Book Fair. Snow tubing was held at Blue Mountain Ski Area in Lower Towamensing Township.Tuesday featured the program: Our Students, which consisted of a Special Person Luncheon at the Palmerton campus. In addition, students at the Palmerton campus worked on classroom activities, while students at the Slatington campus created cards. There was also a Scholastic Book Fair.There were no events on Monday, as the school was closed due to the inclement weather.The event kicked off last weekend with the program: Our Parish, Our Parish Liturgies, and included a Student Special Presentation. There was a Winter Social in the gym on Saturday.Pupils in grades K-3 attend the school's Slatington campus, while students in grades 4-8 attend its Palmerton campus.To arrange a personal tour of the school, call the Slatington campus at (610) 787-2935, or the Palmerton campus at (610) 826-2354.For more information, visit

www.sjnrschool.org.