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Veterans Honored at Ballard

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On Friday afternoon, November 11, the Ballard School opened their doors to honor the local veterans.  The program began with the Boy Scouts, sophomores Payton Inglis and Jaeden Schliem, 8th grader Wyatt Blair, and 7th grader Cody Bridges presenting the colors and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.  After they presented the flags, Freshman McKinley Brewster led the audience and guests in singing The National Anthem. The fourth graders stood up and explained the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hon then had the thirty-two veterans who attended the program introduce themselves stating their branch of military, years they served, and their rank.

The program continued with the third and forth graders singing  If I Had a Hammer. When they were done, the fifth and sixth graders recited their poems, some of which were about what freedom meant to them. After the last poem was said, Mr. Hon introduced Mr. George Bruto, and he shared a moving email from a colleague about teaching children to be thankful for veterans and the meaning behind it.  After he was finished, the kindergarten through second grade sang You’re A Grand Old Flag. Finally, after the elementary was done, sophomores Kelsey Karo and Jack Rotert presented “Armistice Day Through the Years.”

Then the entire elementary side stood and sang with our music instructor, Mrs. Lybarger, On Veterans Day. After they sat back down, seniors Morgan Meade and Aiyana Murchie, said a few words to close the program. Ms. Murchie had PowerPoint presentations to go along with the veterans Day program.  After the program was finished, the veterans stayed for pictures the gym. The veterans and guests were invited to stay for the reception and the students were given the opportunity to visit with them.  Ms. Murchie stated that the Ballard staff and students worked hard to put together a program that was not only enjoyable but that would honor our local veterans. The Veterans Day program was an outstanding success.

Veterans that attended:

First Row (L-R): Richard Cook, Adam Jennings, Mark Durbin, Harry Nitchals, Bob Brewster, Jim Kershner, Raymond Brewster, Dade Johnson, and Karl Harbstreet

Second Row (L-R): George Bruto, Lance McClymond, Don Durbin, Clarence Muiller, Tim Hummel, Don Arndt, Denny Petty, Andy Hon, Bobby Hon, and John Burgess

Third Row (L-R): Jessica Ginnings, Robert Gillespie, Chet Merriam, Don Ferguson, Ron Setzer, Clifford Foster, Don Hill, Roy D. Taylor, Curt Schliem, Howard Cox, Mitchell Jones, John Siebeneck, Richard Dickerson, and Charles Morris