By: Kent Hutchison
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The tradition of honoring area veterans is alive and well at North Central Schools. This was evident once again this year on Veteran’s Day as several veterans, and approximately 500 community members gathered for the annual music performance. Students in grades 1-6, as well as the high school choir, under the direction of music teachers Joe House and Jason Luthy, put on another memorable performance in honor of Veteran’s Day.
The Veterans, parents, grandparents, and other community members in attendance were provided with an assortment of songs to commemorate the sacrifices made by members of our military while serving our great country.
The show began with the students entering the gym and forming a human United States flag in the bleachers. Once again this “human flag” was able to be developed due to the generosity of Pioneer Mayor, Ed Kidston, who purchased red, white, and blue shirts for the students.
Those in attendance were welcomed by Army veteran, and North Central Elementary Principal, Paul Jones. The singing of the Star Spangled Banner followed Mr. Jones words.
Bob Walkup of the Pioneer American Legion and Pioneer Police Chief Tim Livengood presented the colors, followed by the singing of Grand Old Flag.
The crowd rose to their feet in unison and was led by North Central sixth grader, Peyton Higgins in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which was immediately followed by the song Everyday Heroes.
America, My Home and All-American were the next two selections. The first song included solos from Makayla Meyers and Adam Bentley.
The program continued with songs performed by the high school choir. The group sang the choir medley, An American Celebration, which included the tunes America the Beautiful, Golden Dream, and Battle Hymn of the Republic. North Central Junior, Heather McConnaughey, provided a solo during the middle song.
The elementary students continued with My Country Tis of Thee. Audrey Russell, Shailynn Bohner, Matthew Pace, and Brenna White each had solos in the song.
Jessica Gutierrez and Jazmine Hendricks stepped to the microphone for solos during Thank a Vet. The program continued as the students sang America the Beautiful and Stars and Stripes Forever.
Mr. Luthy then provided an explanation of The Armed Forces Melody followed by the students singing the tune. During the song, which honors the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force in the order they were founded, veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be honored when their particular branch was recognized in the song. As the veterans stood, they received recognition and thanks from those in attendance by a round of applause.
The event concluded with Mr. Walkup and Chief Livengood leading the colors from the gym, then the song Mighty United.
Once again the students and staff of North Central Schools provided a much deserved tribute to the local veterans.
Kent Hutchison can be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
