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November 12, 2009

School programs salute veterans

Woodward elementary and middle school students participated in patriotic assemblies filled with songs, poems and speeches on Wednesday to pay tribute to veterans.

The audiences were filled with students and parents, as well as a number of area veterans.

Students at Woodward Middle School honored veterans with two identical assemblies, one for each of the two campuses due to the size restraints of the auditorium. Each assembly began with a presentation of colors by the Boy Scouts of America.

A sense of patriotism was shared by the audience during impressively sung renditions of “America My Home” and “United We Stand” by the WMS Chorus and WHS Boomer Expressions and Select Choirs.

Another highlight of the program was the reading of essays written by three sixth grade students, Kade Marlatt, Kendra Deweese and Hillary Hurst. Their words reflected on the value and purpose of Veterans Day. Seventh grader Aspen Rutledge also shared her gratitude for veterans with poem she had written.

Veteran Chad Standerfer, of Woodward, served as the keynote speaker during both middle school assemblies. Standerfer shared his experiences from eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He said during that time he learned valuable lessons about life and responsibility.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Standerfer said. “I learned leadership and what it means to stick to something no matter how hard things get. We all are going to face struggles in our life and it’s important to follow through and not to falter or fail.”

A slideshow featured photographs taken of Standerfer and his fellow Marines during their missions around the world to places including Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and Somalia. He said his time in Kenya taught him a life lesson about what is really important.

“Although they don’t have a lot, all of the people in Kenya are very friendly and happy to be doing what they’re doing,” Standerfer said.

During the program approximately 15 former and current members of the military introduced themselves to the crowd. They served during times of war and periods of peace from World War II to present day.

The veterans in attendance were given a standing ovation, and it was clear the men and women were touched by the response. The Boy Scout trumpet players performed “Taps” to signal the end of the Veterans Day ceremonies at the middle school.

Members of the Boy Scouts were also part of the annual program presented by Woodward’s three elementary schools. Students from Horace Mann, Highland Park and Cedar Heights honored each branch of the military during their program in the Woodward High School auditorium.

More than 50 students shared their personal words of appreciation for veterans. “On this day we take time to thank all the brave men and women, living and dead, who have served in the Armed Forces,” said one student. Horace Mann student Kenzie Borelli said, “When I sing the songs of America all by myself I show how much I love my country.”

Children from each school performed patriotic songs on stage while the students in the audience sang along with them. The songs performed included “The Star Spangled Banner,” “You Are Our Heros” and “God Bless America.”

Students invited the veterans to stand as they recognized those who served in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines. To conclude the program students performed the song “Taps.” One student said, “This is a tribute to those who have served this country in peace and war and in memory of those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country.”

Jack Smith served two years in the Navy during the Vietnam war and was humbled by the elementary schools' assembly.

Smith said “all the kids did a wonderful job and it was a great presentation. There was a lot of feeling to it, and there were moments when my eyes teared up.”

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