|
|
|
HARRISBURG —
The 18th annual Veteran's Day Program was held Thursday morning at the Carrier Mills Elementary School, and as usual, did not leave attendees disappointed.
The program opened with a flag procession by fifth grade students, followed by a singing of “The National Anthem” by Dexter Parks, Principal Charles Parks, Daryl Varble and Troy Mayberry.
“Most of us don't have the opportunity to serve in the military ourselves, so this gives us a chance to honor those who have served,” said Dexter Parks.
After everyone joined in to recite “The Pledge of Allegiance,” fourth-grade teacher and event organizer Phyllis Bradley gave a speech not only honoring veterans, but also commending the community.
“When people have difficulties in their lives, community members come to your rescue,” said Bradley. “So just in case you didn't know, you have a wonderful community.”
The next speaker at the program, Melvin Haseker, spoke about the importance of education and praised the Carrier Mills-Stonefort school system.
“The schools teach kids what it means to be free,” said Haseker.
After that, a slew of musical performances ensued. First, the high school choir sang a patriotic trio of songs. After they exited the stage, the junior high choir sang a couple of songs, including a well-known piece from the Disney movie “Pocahontas.” The kindergarten through second grade classes followed up with an inspiring song called “Freedom,” before clearing the stage for the third through fifth grade students, who sang the aptly named, “I Pledge Allegiance.”
Next there was a song by four year-old Harmony Hyatt, another song performed by the pre-kindergarten class, a video presentation by Tami Hancock and the song “America the Beautiful” sung by Carla Kalodner.
Perhaps the most memorable portion of the program was the Michael Jackson-inspired rendition of “Beat It” performed by fourth-grade students. Between the costumes, sunglasses and choreographed dance moves, these kids practically stole the show with their “King of Pop” performance.
However, it may not have been all fun and games for the teachers who had to instruct the students in the art of dancing like a pop star.
“Trying to keep a bunch of fourth-graders organized and together for something like that is a real challenge,” said Bradley.
Next on the program was a song performed by Dylan Comer, then a musical duo singing and playing guitar. Donnie Denbow and Kyle Evrard collaborated on this toe-tapping rendition of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Most of the crowd could be seen clapping along with the catchy tune.
The 18th annual Veteran's Day Program was held Thursday morning at the Carrier Mills Elementary School, and as usual, did not leave attendees disappointed.
The program opened with a flag procession by fifth grade students, followed by a singing of “The National Anthem” by Dexter Parks, Principal Charles Parks, Daryl Varble and Troy Mayberry.
“Most of us don't have the opportunity to serve in the military ourselves, so this gives us a chance to honor those who have served,” said Dexter Parks.
After everyone joined in to recite “The Pledge of Allegiance,” fourth-grade teacher and event organizer Phyllis Bradley gave a speech not only honoring veterans, but also commending the community.
“When people have difficulties in their lives, community members come to your rescue,” said Bradley. “So just in case you didn't know, you have a wonderful community.”
The next speaker at the program, Melvin Haseker, spoke about the importance of education and praised the Carrier Mills-Stonefort school system.
“The schools teach kids what it means to be free,” said Haseker.
After that, a slew of musical performances ensued. First, the high school choir sang a patriotic trio of songs. After they exited the stage, the junior high choir sang a couple of songs, including a well-known piece from the Disney movie “Pocahontas.” The kindergarten through second grade classes followed up with an inspiring song called “Freedom,” before clearing the stage for the third through fifth grade students, who sang the aptly named, “I Pledge Allegiance.”
Next there was a song by four year-old Harmony Hyatt, another song performed by the pre-kindergarten class, a video presentation by Tami Hancock and the song “America the Beautiful” sung by Carla Kalodner.
Perhaps the most memorable portion of the program was the Michael Jackson-inspired rendition of “Beat It” performed by fourth-grade students. Between the costumes, sunglasses and choreographed dance moves, these kids practically stole the show with their “King of Pop” performance.
However, it may not have been all fun and games for the teachers who had to instruct the students in the art of dancing like a pop star.
“Trying to keep a bunch of fourth-graders organized and together for something like that is a real challenge,” said Bradley.
Next on the program was a song performed by Dylan Comer, then a musical duo singing and playing guitar. Donnie Denbow and Kyle Evrard collaborated on this toe-tapping rendition of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Most of the crowd could be seen clapping along with the catchy tune.
Several churches worked together to follow up that act with the song “I'm a Soldier.” The kids, who were dressed head-to-toe in camouflage, received the most enthusiastic round of applause from the audience.
Next, 98-year-old veteran Bill Gulledge performed a piece on the harmonica. A much-loved member of the community, Bradley said of Gulledge, “I know he's stolen many people's hearts.”
As the final performance before the much-anticipated announcement of the Veteran of the Year Award, the junior high student council acted out a skit explaining why the flag is folded the way it is, and how the flag folding ceremony is not only a way to honor veterans, but is also a way to honor the Christian god. The student council then presented a sign language performance.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for- the announcement of the Veteran of the Year Award. Bradley presented the plaque, saying this particular veteran has, over the years, demonstrated an unwavering devotion to the Veteran's Day program in Carrier Mills and deserves some recognition for his hard work. The 2011 Veteran of the Year is Johnny Knowles. He was so honored and flustered when his name was announced that Knowles was rendered speechless.
After another musical performance by fourth grade students, veterans in the crowd were invited to come sit or stand on the stage or at the front of the gym, giving everyone in attendance a chance to honor, recognize, and thank them for their service.
When the confetti and commotion eventually died down, one last musical performance was sung by pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. The final song, “Never Say Never” by Justin Bieber, had every pre-teen in the place dancing and singing along. Even elderly veterans were shaking their hips as they left another year's successful Veteran's Day Program.
