HENDERSON, KY (11/9/12) – Various activities are taking place at Henderson County Schools to recognize Veterans’ Day. Students and staff are paying tribute to the men and women who have served and currently serve the United States of America as military service personnel. Listed below are activities taking place at the schools:
 
A.  B. Chandler Elementary - November 9 at 7:45 a.m.
Guest speaker, Rev. Timothy Collazo, a retired veteran of the U.S Army, will speak to students about his tenure in Operation Desert Shield/Storm as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 1). Rev. Collazo was awarded the Bronze Star after completing each of his deployments.
 
To honor past and present veterans and current military service personnel, the Chandler Cheetahs are collecting items to send to troops overseas. Students are supporting Adopt-a-Platoon by gathering care package items to cheer up soldiers who are far from home faithfully serving our country. Their plan is to have these items mailed in time to get to the troops for Christmas.
 
Bend Gate Elementary
The school will conduct a student-led program.
 
Cairo Elementary - November 7
The Student Leadership Team conducted the Veterans’ Day Program with guest speaker Jimie Staples, a veteran who served as Chief Master Sgt. in the United States Air Force for 24 years. His great grandchildren attend school at Cairo, and his granddaughter teaches there.
 
Veterans’ Day cards were created by students and will be given to Veterans’ Day meal at Golden Corral Restaurant in Henderson.
 
Central Academy – November 12
The school will conduct a student-led program.
 
East Heights Elementary - November 5 -9
5th grade students were involved in a poster and essay contest highlighting “What Veterans Mean to Me.” They submitted photos of military heroes for a school-wide “Heroes” bulletin board. Students wore patriotic colors/dress or military shirt (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) throughout the week. A 5th grade assembly was conducted by students. The assembly entitled “The Meaning of the Pledge” included guest speaker, James Shoemaker.
 
Kindergarten students attended an activity in the school library featuring guest speaker, Charles Cameron.
 
Henderson County High School - November 12 at 10:45 a.m.
Sabre Guard will open the high school Veterans’ Day Program with a procession of local veterans led by the HCHS JROTC. The program will include the presentation of colors by the Color Guard, an “Armed Forces Medley” video, the Pledge of Allegiance led by senior Katelin Coursey, and the Star Spangled Banner performed by the HCHS Band. Guest speaker SFC (Ret) Nick Belfield will speak to students during the assembly. The HCHS Choir will sing God Bless America by Irving Berlin, and Matt Fowler (student) will read It Is The Soldier by Charles M. Province. The HCHS Band with Principal Sally Sugg will perform Thirteen Stars by Leland Forsblad. The program will conclude with a performance of Taps.
 
Jefferson Elementary - November 9 at 9:15 a.m.
Guest speaker, Rev. Timothy Collazo, a retired veteran of the U.S Army, will speak to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about his tenure in Operation Desert Shield/Storm as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 1). Rev. Collazo was awarded the Bronze Star after completing each of his deployments.
 
Niagara Elementary - November 5
 
The HCHS JROTC Color Guard visited Niagara Elementary and recognized Veterans’ Day with a Presentation of Colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Niagara Scout groups, and the South Middle School Band performed the National Anthem and A Salute to America’s Finest. The guest speaker was Specialist E-4 James E. Cole, Jr. of the United States Army. America the Beautiful was sung by Niagara teachers, Sandra Farley, Kristen Duckworth and Diane Crowder. The program concluded with a performance a moment of silence followed by Taps to honor all of America’s fallen soldiers.
 
North Middle School - November 9 at 2:00 p.m.
 
The Henderson American Legion will be guests of honor at a school assembly in the gymnasium. Student Council representatives will give a history of Veterans’ Day to remember all those who have sacrificed to keep our country strong and free. The Pledge of Allegiance will be presented by Ms. Julie Williams. The 8th grade choir and North Middle School’s band will perform the National Anthem under the direction of band director, Alex Grimm. A video presentation of veterans or soldiers who are North Middle School relatives will be the highlight of the program.
 
South Heights Elementary - November 9 at 8:30 a.m.
 
The 2nd Annual Veterans’ Day Talent Show will be performed by students at 8:30 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. for families and local veterans. The student performances will express gratitude to veterans.
 
South Middle School - November 12 at 7:30 a.m.
 
South Middle School will conduct its 32nd Annual Veterans Day Program, “Honoring All Who Served.” This event is open to the public. It will begin with a buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and program at 9:00 a.m. Guest speaker, Rev. Lynn Owens, will address the crowd about his days serving in the United States Navy from 1989 – 2000. Rev. Owens earned the rank of E5 and was surface warfare qualified. Poetry and essay contest winners will be announced during the program. Letters written by students have been mailed to over 800 veterans and approximately 200 guests inviting them to join South Middle School on November 12th.
 
Spottsville Elementary - November 8
 
Veterans visited the school and shared personal stories and experiences about their days in service.
 
Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center - November 12
 
Guest speaker Navy Veteran Jason Ward will read The Flag book to the children while dressed in camouflage and handing out small flags to the students.
 
SurfKY News
Information provided by Danielle Crafton

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