Ponca Public School Veterans’ Program
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In honor of Veterans Day celebrated on Wednesday, November, 11, 2015, Ponca Public School hosted a school and community-wide program entitled, “Tempered Steel Wounded Warrior Project”.
Veterans and auxiliary members from the American Legions of: Ponca, Jackson, Dakota City, South Sioux City, Allen, Sioux City, Newcastle, Martinsburg, Waterbury, and Homer, and current military personnel attended the observance.
Elementary student council vice president Grace Rooney led everyone in saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the band playing the National Anthem, directed by Mrs. Jessica Steckly.
Elementary and high school student council presidents, Addie McGill and Tim Hayes gave the welcome. High school student council vice president Jack Charlson read a proclamation by President Obama.
Mrs. Kari Lowe directed the third through sixth grade students in singing “I Still Believe” with soloists Addison Stewart and Preston Davis. Mrs. Lowe also directed the Jr. High/High School Chorus in singing “In God We Trust” (with video) which included solos by Sophie Kramper, Kelsea Fethkenher, Abby Schweers, MacKenzie Boyle, Kari Rooney and Carin Mellick. Mrs. Jessica Steckly and the Jr./Sr. High Band accompanied the Jr./Sr. High Chorus.
High school student council members Shelby Rickett and Grace Salmen recognized veterans and military men and women in attendance at the program. High school student council member Ryan Bentz recognized twelfth grade students: Leo Markworth who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in January 2015 and will report to basic training on January 19, 2016, and Jordan Walker who will report to U.S. Marine Corp basic training on September 24, 2106. Seniors Sophia Adair and Holden Schweers are in the process of enlisting with the U.S. Army.
Mr. Bob Ehrig, a wounded warrior speaker for Tempered Steel Wounded Warrior Project, was the featured speaker for the program. During his talk, Mr. Ehrig stated, “I have traveled all over this country giving Veterans Day speeches and I have never encountered as much patriotism as I experience in this room today!”
The Tempered Steel Wounded Warrior Speaking Program supports veterans who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wounded warriors represent all military branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard who have been wounded physically, and /or psychologically during the last ten years.
Sophie Kramper and Alyssa Swick, treasurers of the High School and Elementary Student Councils presented a check donation in the amount of $1,291.00 to Mr. Bob Ehrig to be given to Tempered Steel Wounded Warrior Project. The donation was made possible from proceeds from fund raising projects, character meeting and staff donations, Ponca School’s Music Boosters, National Honor Society and the Elementary and High School Student Councils.
Mr. Richard Dohma, Ponca School Board member, dedicated a beautiful pin oak tree planted on the southeast side of the school in memory of former Ponca School superintendent, Mr. Bill Thompson. A plaque that will be placed by the tree was presented to Mr. Bill Thompson’s mother and father, sister and spouse, and two brothers and spouses. The tree was given as a memorial to Mr. Thompson by the class of 2010 with class members Matt Dohma and Hailey Brown in attendance.
Mr. Thompson had wanted to bring his dad, Mr. Dulla Thompson, a WWII veteran who served as an Army ranger in the invasion of Italy, to the Veterans program at Ponca while he was superintendent at Ponca.
Ms. Joan Reznicek, Ponca School Superintendent, gave the closing remarks.
During the program a multimedia series of computer visuals were projected on a large screen by Ponca School’s technologist Mrs. Kristie Hayes.