WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (SEPT. 1, 2026) — Loyalsock Township High School’s military flag display now represents all six branches of the U.S. armed forces, thanks to the initiative of one LTHS junior.

After noticing that the U.S. Space Force was the only branch not represented on the display outside the high school, junior Gia Biacchi decided to do something about it. More than 100 hours of work later, Biacchi’s service project culminated Monday with a ceremony dedicating the new Space Force flag in front of the entire student body.

Although rain prevented the flag from being raised during the ceremony as planned, the dedication marked the completion of Biacchi’s effort to add the newest branch of the U.S. military to the school’s display.

The ceremony included performances by the LTHS band, participation from members of the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County and representatives from the other five branches of the military.

Biacchi’s project grew out of her participation in the Hugh O’Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference last spring, where students are challenged to complete 100 hours of service in their communities. The project was made possible in part through a donation from Jung Martial Arts Family Center, a veteran-owned business that provided the new Space Force flag.

“I’m fortunate to come to a school that supports student initiatives,” Biacchi said.

She chose the project after realizing that Space Force was missing from the school’s military flag display and felt it was important that the newest branch of the armed forces be represented alongside the others.

“The current flag displays were initiated through a student project,” said Richard Cummings, secondary principal, who opened Monday’s ceremony and worked closely with Biacchi on the effort. “It is only fitting that the students continue this tradition to keep our military flag display updated. The district has always been a strong supporter of our United States military as well as community service.”

“Today, Loyalsock Township High School is doing more than finishing a flag display,” said Staff Sgt. Conner Bentley, a U.S. Air and Space Force recruiter. “You’re recognizing history while it’s still being written.”

Bentley encouraged students to view the Space Force flag as a symbol of future possibilities, noting that the Space Force did not exist when many of their parents and teachers were in high school. He said today’s students can pursue careers in areas such as cyber operations, intelligence, engineering and space systems, while other careers and challenges they will encounter may not yet exist.

“I hope this flag honors the guardians serving today, inspires the people who may serve tomorrow, and reminds everyone who sees that service comes in many different forms,” Bentley added.

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