Students Honor Local Heroes at Veterans Day Program

 6-12th grade students from Exeter-Milligan-Friend Public Schools gathered this week to honor local veterans through music, reflection, and heartfelt performance at the annual Veterans Day Program.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from Shawn Gray, followed by a prayer led by Tim Schrunk. Sixth-grade student Brynn Rohren led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and this year’s Boys and Girls State participants - Brett Kallhoff, Caleb Black, Babe Weber, and Taylin Schluter - were recognized for their leadership. The program also featured Diane Odoski, the Auxiliary Speaker, and a closing statement was provided by Principal Liz Stutzman.

The program included performances from the 6th grade choir and band, 7th and 8th grade choir and band, and the high school choir and band. Each group performed patriotic selections that reflected gratitude and respect for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Mark Perez, EMF’s 6-12 Vocal and Instrumental Teacher, shared insight into how he prepares students for such a meaningful event.

“I enjoy going with the classic, patriotic songs,” Perez said, “but I also like to find songs with good, meaningful messages about unity.”

Perez encourages students to connect personally with the meaning behind Veterans Day. 

“One thing that I have the students do leading up to Veterans Day is to have them raise their hand if they know of a family member who has served in the military,” he explained. “Most kids raise their hands. To the ones who don’t, I encourage them to ask their parents. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they learn that they do - and it becomes a little more personal for them”

One of the highlights of the program was the high school band’s performance of “America’s Finest,” a medley of songs representing each branch of the armed forces. As the band played, Mrs. Brandi Perez announced each branch, inviting current service members and veterans to stand and be recognized for their service. 

Perez said he hoped the community felt the students’ appreciation through their performances.

“I hope that the audience was able to see the amount of respect these students have for our veterans through their performances,” he said.

The Veterans Day program served not only as a musical showcase but as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served and the gratitude felt by the students and staff who honored them.