Tuffree Middle School Mobilizing for Its Last World War II Night

Tuffree Middle School will be transformed into a V-Day party tonight as community members swing to Glenn Miller tunes and play “Pin the Mustache on Hitler” at the school’s World War II Night.

This is the school’s third--and last--year putting on the popular event, which also features a war memorabilia exhibit and several speakers.

What started as a one-time event became a three-year community tradition. But Bill Melvin, a teacher who helped organize the evening’s activities, said the event has become too time-consuming to continue.

“We kind of hate to see it go by the wayside for the last time,” Melvin said. “But it just takes a lot of time.”

World War II Night coincides with seventh-graders’ social studies unit on the era, and nearly all of them helped set up the event, Melvin said.

More than 600 students, parents, grandparents and local residents are expected to attend the evening’s highlight: presentations by Holocaust survivors.

War memorabilia, including a fold-up British bicycle, ration books and uniforms will be on display, and several classic cars and motorcycles will be parked in front of the school.

In addition, winning entries from the school’s propaganda poster contest will be displayed along with several war murals.

Teacher Liz Greenhill said the event helps students understand their heritage.

“The best part about it is that it connects kids to their grandparents,” Greenhill said. “It gives them something to talk about with older people. And it’s a lot of fun.”

The event is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Tuffree Middle School, 2151 N. Kraemer Blvd.

Information: (714) 996-1881.