The fifth graders at Sharpe Elementary have spent the last few weeks learning about veterans and what they mean to us and our country.
Students were divided into groups and each group was put in charge of a different aspect of the Veterans Day Program. Principal Jackie Reid says the students did it all themselves from the ideas to the planning and execution. The students selected songs to sing, art work to display on tables, tribute videos and a balloon release, and a lunch served to the veterans and their families.
Each veteran in attendance received a multi-tool in a bag decorated by the students. After filling their plate at a pizza buffet and countless cakes and treats, veterans were taken to their seat at a table where each seat had a laminated piece of art work created by students waiting for them.
Fifth grader, Charlee George, was in the art decor group in charge of the decorations. “I come from a military family, my dad served in the Army so this is really special to me.” she added that several other family members served in branches of the military and two uncles are currently serving as well.
Fifth grader, Evylee Terry, MC of the event and a part of the drama production team says that she loves Veterans Day because she has two veterans in her family. “I want veterans to know that they are honored and they are all appreciated. That Sharpe Elementary loves them and we will always be there for them.” Evylee explained.
Her grandfather, Duward Johnson, who served in the Navy during World War II was in attendance and obviously proud of his granddaughter, “This means a lot to me, seeing all the veterans here. The older I get it means a lot more to me.” Johnson added.
As the students stood on stage and sang “God Bless the USA” several of the veterans and their families were seen wiping tears from their eyes. At the back of the gymnasium an incredibly proud Principal Jackie Reid said “This is what it’s all about… it’s not the test scores or awards… this is what it’s all about right here.”
