Clifton Ridge Middle School hosted a Veteran’s Day Assembly last month, inviting students’ family members to honor the Cougar family military veterans for their service.
The school’s band teacher, Lori Johnson, said turnout for the Nov. 11 event was excellent, with the entire student body and approximately 30 families present. The special guest veterans represented the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy, with some veterans decorated in uniform at the assembly.
“Our students were extremely respectful and attentive throughout. Students were excited to honor their Veterans by inviting them,” Johnson said.
To honor their families, Clifton Ridge Middle School Band students performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” The chorus of Clifton Ridge Middle School and Gray Station Middle School performed “My Country Tis’ of Thee” and “America, The Beautiful.
Katie Moughon and Kelli Ward, teachers at the school and veterans, prepared speeches to deliver for the program, with student Ava Smith reading Ward’s speech as she could not attend the event that morning.
Students Ava Parent-Lew and Jessi Zellner wrote and presented writings about what Veteran’s Day means to them. Student Paris Braswell also prepared a speech that Martin Wehner, another teacher, delivered.
The Jones County High School JROTC presented the colors for the event, and high school student Cadet/Maj Pierce spoke on behalf of the JROTC.
Johnson added that a PowerPoint presentation was created and played throughout the assembly to honor veterans unable to attend.
“There was a video slide show of photos of grandfathers, aunts and uncles, moms and dads, and siblings who have served our country. It was quite moving,” she said.
After the assembly, Clifton Ridge Middle School held a breakfast reception to allow families to mingle with veterans and continue the celebration.
“Veterans Day reminds us to honor those who served, teaching gratitude, respect, and the value of sacrifice. It was deeply moving to see our students respectfully honoring Veterans, demonstrating their understanding of the importance of service and their appreciation for those who have protected our freedoms,” Johnson said.
School Media Special Mary Zellner, who played a significant role in facilitating the assembly, commented on the event’s success.
“This is a well-honored tradition at CRMS, and I am glad to be a part of it. I love how CRMS shows our Veterans how much we appreciate them,” she said.
The Media Specialist thanked everyone who helped make the program successful, including Dr. Stephanie Leggett, Dr. Stacy Carr, and Chance Scott, school administrators who were the assembly’s emcees.
“I am thankful for all the help it takes to make this program run, from the flags placed outside by Coach Glawson’s classes to the speeches/banners/ stars created by the students, the dedication of the band/chorus in their performances, and the help of our administration to make this event a success every year,” Zellner concluded.
