EHS Commemorates Veterans Day

Effingham High School's annual Veterans Day observance Monday morning was a special multi-media production, honoring all those serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served.

The event began with a tribute to the veterans present, recognizing those who served in the various conflicts since World War II and those in the audience who have someone in their family who has served. Senior Collin Hecht welcomed the veterans, and a veterans color guard presented the colors, followed by a presentation of the National Anthem by an EHS choral group. 

Student Council President Shayna Phillips led in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Antonio Munoz spoke on "What is a Veteran". 

(EHS STUDENT ANTONIO MUNOZ)

Hunter Diveley followed with information on the Congressional Medal of Honor.

(EHS STUDENT HUNTER DIVELEY)

Bailey Hanfland and Oliver Passalacqua presented the song, "The Eagle Cried", a tribute to the veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars.

(OLIVER PASSALACQUA AND BAILEY HANFLAND)

Alissa Kersey shared The Life of a Prisoner of War, which was followed by a presentation on the POW table by Ryan Hails, Patrick Siner and Josh McCammon, illustrating different items on the table and their impact on a POW and those who wait at home.

Samantha Steele introduced the song, "Lonely Me-Worried You", sung by Shauna Sloan and Brayden Lawrence and accompanied by Blake Faber and Jessica Quicksall who wrote the song, focusing on the plight of a POW and the one he loves.

Andrew Bingham described why the POW-MIA flag is removed during the ceremony, and then the flag was removed. Brett Hodges gave a description of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ritual of the changing of the guard. The changing of the guard was then performed in silhouette by Joe Nieman and Tucker Denton.

(JOE NIEMAN AND TUCKER DENTON)

Lydia Taylor shared a violin solo with interpretive dance on the song, "Tell My Father", Andrew Bingham and Trent Wilkinson presented "Taps", and Shelby Nunamaker handled the close.

Other students involved in the veterans salute are Matt Niebrugge, Bailey Hanfland, Kate Simmons, Ashton Blunt, Maddie Davidson, Brice Flowers, Lauren Fox, Miguel Garcia, Wyatt Griffin, Max Habbe, Nicole Homann, Lauren Jakuboski, Bayleigh Lobmier, Jacob Neal, Jeanna Workman, Dakota O'Dell, Gabe Rivera, Ann White, Sara Grove, Andrea Hortenstine, Alexis Blair, Tyler Davis, Blake Faber, Dustin Gurley, Jon Higgs, Noah Novak, CJ Schmidt, Brady Thomas, Blake Walker, Justin Heitkamp, Nicholas Katz, Matt Linders and Lauren Ross.

Veterans in attendance were then invited to the Hearts Rock Cafe at EHS, where they had the opportunity to interact with the students involved in the production.