By AAH Angela Bruner and Shelley Muzny
Hennessey students and staff put a huge amount of time into the Veterans Day Assembly every year, and this yearโs program made that effort obvious. Long before November 11th arrived, students were learning music, practicing speeches, studying the history behind the day, and preparing every detail to honor the men and women who have served our country. For these kids, it is not just another school event. It is something they look forward to because it gives them a chance to show genuine appreciation in a way that feels meaningful.
The assembly opened with Mr. Faulkner welcoming everyone, followed by National Honor Society students escorting the veterans to their seats, a responsibility they take seriously and prepare for with pride. After Leilie Vadder led the Pledge of Allegiance, the Pride of Hennessey Band, directed by Mr. Powers, performed the National Anthem, a piece they had been rehearsing for weeks.
From there, students guided the entire program. Jaryn Dowell shared the history of Veterans Day, and the 5th- and 6th-grade choir followed with โOne Nation,โ a song they have been working on since early fall. Guest speaker Mr. Terry Sherrill then spoke about his time in the Air Force and encouraged students to think about the many opportunities waiting for them after high school.
The program continued with a student-produced slideshow honoring local veterans, which led into Emma Copelandโs presentation on the history of the Armed Forces. The band returned with โIn Honor: The Armed Forces of the United States of America,โ a performance that clearly meant a great deal to them. After that, Kate Curran explained the POW/MIA Remembrance, and Eli Moery played โMoment of Silence/Taps,โ bringing the auditorium to complete stillness.
At the close of the ceremony, NHS students once again escorted the veterans out, and Mr. Tarango offered final remarks. Students then helped host a reception for the veterans, where hand-made cards and really yummy treats were prepared and laid out for the vets to enjoy.
The schoolโs wonderful slideshow honoring veterans is in need of update, there are many Hennessey vets missing and the school would like everyone to be included. If you would like to add someone, please send a photo to Ms. Rawlings at the high school and include: a photo, full name, rank, and branch, years of service, and where they served.
This day means a great deal to the veterans who attend, but it also means a great deal to the students who work so hard to honor them. Thank you to every veteran for your service.
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