Pentwater students will host a Veterans’ assembly followed by a breakfast for veterans and their guests on Nov. 11 as they have done for more than the past 20 years.
The program is organized by the student council, and council president Maggie Jorrison said, “We try to involve as many of the students as possible. I open the program with a welcome from the student council. Then the kindergarteners hold flags and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. After the band plays the national anthem, student council members share a poem. Students in grades 1-3 make cards for the veterans, and the 6th graders this year are making paper flowers. Our cafeteria staff prepares and serves a special breakfast while students mingle and speak with the veterans.”
Jorrison said she thinks it is so important to celebrate and thank every veteran for the sacrifices they have made to serve our country. And that’s true for those who served in war as well as those who have served during times of peace.
A few years ago, Mackenna Hasil was president of student council, and today she serves in the military. She asserted the proudest moment of her senior year was not winning an athletic championship, but in honoring veterans on Veterans Day and seeing how much they appreciated being honored.
Kelly Sisung is the faculty mentor for the student council. She reported, “There are some new readings this year, one of which was suggested by a community member. Our 5th grade teacher, Donna Miller, selected a song to be sung by our elementary students, and a popular local duo, Canopy Space, is also performing a piece.”
Although invitations have normally been sent to addresses supplied by the Pentwater VFW post, this year the mailing was expanded to include two additional VFW posts in Oceana County.
Sisung said that over 75 veterans and guests attended last year. Jorrison shared they are planning on 70-90 veterans and guests at this year’s event. Veterans who wish to come are asked to register for breakfast attendance by calling 231-869-4100 ext. 230.
