![Veterans Day Celebrations Across the District]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1573847455/smsdorg/hfvfxkdrddbgblsxelbb/webCV3.psd","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1573847455/smsdorg/hfvfxkdrddbgblsxelbb/webCV3.psd","width":400}])
School communities across the district pay tribute to Veterans Day
Students across the district began the school day with all school assemblies to recognize and honor the military in their communities and commemorate Veterans Day. Schools shared tributes in various ways, while hosting and recognizing Veterans as honored guests.
Rhien Benninghoven Elementary
Rhien Benninghoven Elementary held a Veterans Day assembly honoring and celebrating veterans in the community. See video.
Students with an attending veteran family member or friend included Lili Weber, Casey Shanonon, Kelsha Trice, Langlley Cervantez, Kinley Slagle, Alivia and Dominic Cantu, Luke and Grace Chalfie, Judson Hilt, and Addison Adkins.
Students presented and displayed flags representing each branch of the military, Boy Scouts presented the colors, and band and choir members from SM Northwest High School performed our national anthem.
Students presented speeches on The History of Veterans Day, America’s White Table Presentation, and How to Wear a Poppy. A Veterans Day poem was read followed by the playing of “Taps”.
Finally, students and staff created a Cheer/Gratitude “tunnel” as the honored veterans exited the gymnasium.
Briarwood Elementary
Briarwood Elementary celebrated Veteran's Day by recognizing their family and friends with an all school assembly. See video.
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
Students and staff at Christa McAuliffe Elementary held their 12th annual Veterans Day Celebration on November 8th. See video.
The Color Guard from Lenexa VFW Post 7397 opened the event with the presentation of colors. The national anthem was performed by the Christa McAuliffe AstroNotes Choir, led by Ms. Anielka Silva-Berrios, choir director.
Principal Michael Orr welcomed guests and presented the Veterans Day Plaque. The guest speaker was Former Army Captain, Ms. Treka Henry was the guest speaker and answered questions after a brief speech.
Mr. Orr then recognized the many attending veterans and followed with a moment of silence to remember our fallen veterans. Mr. Kevin Hupe, SM West Band Director, performed “Taps” on trumpet followed by closing remarks and thanks from Mr. Orr. The celebration concluded with a reception in the cafeteria.
Crestview Elementary
Students at Crestview Elementary honored veterans with art projects and students invited members of their families who are veterans have lunch with them.
In the cafeteria, the symbolic place setting known as “America’s White Table” was set to honor remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty.
John Diemer Elementary
John Diemer students welcomed veterans to school with a breakfast, where patriotic thank you cards made by each student were presented.
The Boy Scouts opened the assembly with the presentation of colors. Student, Megan Garrett, BSA in the Color Guard, shared “I am honored to be able to call for them.”
This was followed by the Indian Woods Trumpet Quartet playing the National Anthem. During the assembly, each veteran was recognized with their division and number of years of service, including sixth grade teacher Kathy Riley with 18 years of service in the Army Reserves, including a tour in Iraq.
Nieman Elementary
Nieman students created a photo board to recognize and honor veteran's within their families and the community. Photos of family members serving in the armed services were accompanied by what student they are related to, along with a short story about their service.
Oak Park-Carpenter Elementary
The United States Air Force Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble presented a concert at Oak Park-Carpenter in honor of Veterans Day. See video.
Tomahawk Elementary
Students and staff members at Tomahawk Elementary hosted an assembly to honor local veterans. The musical program was presented by fourth grade students under the direction of Rashmi DePaepe, music teacher. See video.
Scout Troop 387 presented the colors to open the ceremony. The choir paid homage to the Veterans with the anthems for each military branch and concluded with “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Several guest Veterans spoke to the students about their service including Tomahawk’s custodian, Mr. Don. He served in the U. S. Army 4th Infantry division mechanized from 1972-1975.
The choir concluded the program with songs related to service from different centuries such as “Yankee Doodle” from the American Revolution and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” from the Civil War.
Trailwood Elementary
At Trailwood, the Boy Scouts greeted and escorted veterans to the gym for their assembly, which included a video of Trailwood students sharing their thoughts of ‘Who is a Veteran’ and ‘How Can We Express Our Gratitude to Veterans”. The Trailwood Choir led the National Anthem for the audience. Each branch of the military was recognized, with veterans being presented an American flag pin.
In many classrooms, lesson and art projects continued throughout the day to learn more about the meaning of the day.
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