Veterans and their families filled tables on the floor of the P.E. Wallace Middle School Gym while students and staff filled the stands in colored shirts that represented the flag of the United States on Monday, November 11 at the Wallace Middle School 24th annual Veterans Day Program. Wallace students and MPHS Student Council members served lunch to the veterans and their families while they were entertained by music from the past played by the MPHS Jazz Band. Local businesses donated gift cards and gifts that were presented to the audience members as door prizes.
Started 24 years ago by then principal, Rodney Huffman, and teachers Jana Milam and Vicki Sinclair, the program was created to fulfill two purposes: to honor military veterans and to help Wallace students understand the role and sacrifices of the those who serve in the military.
This year’s veterans address was given by Dr. Clint Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.
The program was full of music provided by the MPHS Jazz Band, the Wallace 5th and 6th grade Honor Choirs, the “Andrews Sisters” made up of retired MPISD teacher Zena Lawrence, Corprew Music teacher Ashley Sterrett, Brice Music teacher Nan Verner, Wallace 504 Coordinator Tracie Johnson, MPHS Choir accompanist Deanna Warren and Wallace Music teacher Diane Swiger on piano, and solos by MPISD Band director Karen Luckett and MPHS teacher Landon Johnson. Wallace Middle School teacher, Jason Barfield, played “Reveille” and MPHS junior, Madison Carpenter, played “Taps” to open and close the program.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department posted and retrieved the American and Texas flags, while Wallace students George Fite, Tenley Marshall, Marley Broach, Emily Crabb, and Abigail Verner presented the military branch flags. Wallace student Jaliyah Brown presented the POW-MIA flag which was accompanied by a moment of silence.
Military widows, active military members, military mothers and recipients of military awards for Valor and Purple Hearts were honored. Special recognition was given to two members of the audience who had served in World War II.
Sixth grade student Emily Crabb read her Pilot Club award-winning essay, “I’m Proud to be an American.” Pilot Club member Becky Meriwether presented Crabb a certificate for writing the winning essay.
MPISD band director, Sheri Sullivan, gave a tribute to longtime Wallace educator, Dona Elliott, who passed away earlier this year. Elliott was involved with the Wallace Veteran’s Day program for many years. Wallace Middle School principal, Nathan Rider, unveiled a memorial bench in her honor. The bench will be placed at the Wallace Middle School campus in her memory.
“I am extremely proud to be able to present our Veterans such a wonderful program,” said Rider. “It is a great opportunity for us to honor our veterans and for our students to learn the importance of Veteran’s Day. The students, faculty, and community all come together to make this the best Veteran’s Day program in Titus County. I am looking forward to our 25th Veteran’s Day program on Friday, November 11, 2022.”
By Kelly Cowan