USD343 Honors Local Veterans
On Monday, November 11th, USD 343 students hosted an assembly to honor nearly 50 veterans from the United States Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Navy.
The veterans and their spouses/significant others were treated to a hot breakfast at 7:30 AM. Following the breakfast, veterans were honored at an assembly with over 750 students, staff, and patrons in attendance. This year saw a special guest with Gov. Laura Kelly attending the program and speaking. Members of Scout Troop 88/89 presented the Colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The PLHS Singers performed the Star-Spangled Banner. The program was moderated by 8th-grade student Bailee Scheer and PLHS Senior Executive STUCO President Calvin McPherson. Students from various grade level presented their thoughts on Veterans Day: 4th Graders Peyton McCune and Sophia Marshall, 7th graders Kayleigh Brown and Hope Billings and PLHS student Bryan Karten all read their short essays on Veterans Day. This year the invited speaker was 1986 PLHS Graduate Col Jarrod Frantz ret. Col Frantz retired this past year as the commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka. The PLMS choir performed "In Flanders Field" the elementary students performed A Patriotic Finale. The program concluded with the PLHS band's performance of the "Armed Forces Salute" which featured music from all five military branches.
If you would like to see any of the speeches or other parts of the program, a recording of the program can be accessed from our USD343 YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jir2MnKAtM0
The goal of our Veterans Day program is to educate our students about the sacrifice and service our veterans have given, and to communicate our deepest appreciation and respect towards each of our veterans as we say thank you for your service."