Submitted photo: Caedyn Huston, 16, a Mid-Prairie High School student from Wellman, will present “A Day in the Life of a WWII GI” Saturday at 1 p.m. at Mulberry Center Church on the grounds of Wilson Brewer Park, 220 Ohio Street, Webster City. This event is free, but freewill donations are accepted.

A remarkable teenager will bring his interpretation of life as a World War II combat soldier to Mulberry Center Church Saturday when it opens its summer speaker series.

Caedyn Huston, 16, is a Mid-Prairie High School student from Wellman whose passion for the war’s history reaches back into his family and the broader community.

His program, “A Day in the Life of a WWII GI,” begins at 1 p.m. at the church on the grounds of Wilson Brewer Park, 220 Ohio Street, Webster City. This event is free, but freewill donations are accepted.

Huston learned of relatives who were active during the Second World War, including his great-great-great uncle Harry Shechik, who is the most decorated soldier in the history of Tama County, according to Carolynn Miller, the coordinator of the Mulberry series.

Huston’s great-great uncle Charles Polton lost his life during WWII when he was killed in action, Miller said.

As a result of his interest, the teen historian began researching not only his family members, but all 54 Washington County servicemen who died while serving their country during that war.

The result, said Miller, is a 150-page book detailing their stories, a project that became a 4-H Citizenship and Civil Engagement project.

His project was recognized at the Iowa State Fair in 2024 as one of 10 Future Discovery Awards. The judges, all Iowa State University faculty members, awarded him a $500 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences scholarship.

“Do not be discouraged by this young man’s age,” Miller said in a media release. “We think that you’ll be impressed.”