Cityscape Schools is excited to highlight Buckner Preparatory’s F.L.A.G. (Fly Lower And Gather) Club, which instills pride and respect for the United States flag. The club does this through an extensive education program for students.

Students rush after school to find their teacher, Inez Marroquin, ready to teach them the importance of folding their country’s flag correctly while never letting it touch the ground. After answering questions and eating a light snack, students try out the experience for themselves. 

They chose a partner, unfold the flag, and memorize each fold to tightly secure it. 

“I like the discussions we have in the club meeting environment as it can range from the history of the U.S. flag as a symbol of our country to the events behind its display and the country itself,” says Marroquin.

The founder and current president of the program, Jim Rodriguez, first visited the school in 2023 and gave a presentation to the students. Rodriguez told students about his veteran background in the Air Force.

Marroquin said Rodriguez’s experience inspired him to pass on the love and history of the country along with passion for the national flag.

Now, the club has 25 students participating in the program, and Marroquin emphasized the importance of students having access to the club.

“Extracurricular clubs which allow the students to learn and have fun keep their interest in school as a place of wonder and learning,” he added. “It gives them an opportunity to enjoy themselves in a place usually seen only as a place to work.”

For many students, joining F.L.A.G. has been a turning point – not only in how they see themselves, but in how they see their potential.

Victoria Del Orbit Guzman, a third-grade student at Buckner Preparatory, says she initially joined the club for the social aspect but learned much more in the process.

“Clubs like these are important because they represent the liberties we have,” said Del Orbit Guzman.

When asked what she would tell a student who was interested in joining the club, she said, “I would tell my friend that you have to be in this club so we can learn about the flag and make friends.”

At Buckner Preparatory, the importance of community starts early – and thanks to the F.L.A.G. Club, it starts strong.