Veterans and their families filled tables on the floor of the P.E. Wallace Middle School Gym on Friday, November 11 at the Wallace Middle School 25th 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 25 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 those who serve in the military. Wallace Principal, Nathan Rider, paid tribute to Huffman, Milam, and Sinclair on the 25th anniversary of the program, with MPISD Board of Trustees President, Yvonne Hampton, presenting each with a commemorative plaque. “Twenty-five years ago, three people came together and created a program to honor our military veterans and to help our students understand the sacrifices of those who serve,” said Rider. “Until you have seen this program you cannot understand how important it is not only for our veterans, but also for our students. From its humble beginnings in the school library to what it has grown to today, this program is because of the vision of those three special people.”

This year’s veteran’s address was given by Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Will Chitwood.

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 Fowler music teacher Julie Merrill, Corprew music teacher Ashley Sterrett, Brice music teacher Nan Verner, Wallace 504 Coordinator Tracie Johnson, MPHS Choir accompanist Deanna Warren, MPISD band director Alicia Hargett, and Wallace music teacher Diane Swiger on piano, with solos by United States veteran and MPHS graduate, Kristian Luker, and Wallace sixth-grader, Kaidence Norman. Wallace Middle School teacher, Jason Barfield, played

“Reveille” and MPHS junior, Orion Senence, played “Taps” to open and close the program.

Eli Rider, Cooper Rider, and James Smart of Boy Scout Troop 6101 posted and retrieved the American and Texas flags, while Wallace students Michelle Hernandez (Army), Jimmy Aguilar (Navy), Cassidy Burns (Coast Guard), Chelsi Campbell (Marines), and Abigail Verner (Air Force) presented the military branch flags. Wallace student Dream Veasley 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 Ellis Moore, now ninety-eight-years-old, who served in World War II and was present in the audience.

Sixth grade student Hannah Martinez was recognized for her Pilot Club award-winning essay, “I’m Proud to be an American.” Pilot Club member Susan Old presented Martinez a certificate for writing the winning essay.

“On behalf of P.E. Wallace, we want to thank all of our veterans,” said Rider. “I hope those who were able to attend enjoyed the food, entertainment, and company. I want to thank Rodney Huffman, Jana Milam, and Vicky Sinclair for founding this program 25 years ago. It has been P.E. Wallace’s honor to thank and celebrate our veterans. I would also like to thank our staff, PTO President, Lacy Campbell, the MPHS Student Council, and our community sponsors.”

Photos:

1: Wallace students as a living United States flag.

2: Rodney Huffman (left) and Jana Milam (center) are honored by MPISD Board President Yvonne Hampton (right) for starting the Wallace Veteran’s Day Program 25 years ago

3: Nathan Rider (left) pays special tribute to Ellis Moore (right), a veteran of World War II.

4: Guest speaker, Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Will Chitwood

5: Cooper Rider (left) and James Smart (right) present the colors.

6: Wallace student, Emi Chappell, presents a carnation to a veteran’s wife.