THS Honors Veterans

On Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 Talawanda High School held a Veterans Day Breakfast and assembly to honor the brave Americans who have served in our nation’s armed forces.  Talawanda’s FCCLA, headed by teacher Sharon Gregory, sponsored the event that included a contest for area students.  Breakfast was served to our veterans in the THS cafeteria at 8 a.m. and the THS steel band, directed by Mike Marston, provided the musical entertainment.  FCCLA contest chair Braelynn Wagers recognized area students who won the contest.  At approximately 9 a.m. THS students and faculty joined the veterans in our gymnasium for an assembly that included the Butler County Sheriff’s Office conducting the Presentation of Colors:

In addition, THS’s Fermata Nowhere sang the National Anthem to an absolutely silent crowd.  THS principal Tom York told the audience that he’s served in public education for many years, but his single regret is never serving his country in the armed forces.

Three THS students read their winning writing entries as students, veterans, and teachers alike choked back tears.  The Tribune’s own Ben Phillips read “A World of Thanks” and asserted that soldiers aren’t republicans or democrats, they are Americans willing to make the ultimate sacrifice:

The assembly closed with an absolutely beautiful rendition of “Proud to be an American” sung by Savana Vaughn.  Freshman Tyler E. said of Vaughn’s singing:  “it was some of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard.”

Channel 85 Productions, THS Braves TV, has produced a video of the ceremony honoring veterans.

Veterans Day was named in 1954 and was previously known as Armistice Day.  Talawanda is thankful for all those who have served and for our seniors who will be serving after they graduate.