Ponca Public School Veterans Program
Submitted by Cindy Anderson
In honor of Veterans Day celebrated on Monday, November, 11, 2019, Ponca Public Schools hosted a school and community-wide program. Veterans and auxiliary members from the American Legions of: Ponca, Jackson, South Sioux City, Sioux City, Newcastle, Allen, Dakota City, and Homer, and current military personnel attended the observance.
Elementary student council vice president Olivia Taylor led everyone in saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
Elementary and high school student council presidents, Cora Jackson and Olivia Hrouda gave the welcome. High school student council vice president Josie Reid read a proclamation by President Trump.
Dr. Adam Webb directed the third through sixth grade students in singing “America My Home”. Dr. Webb also directed the 7-12 grade Chorus in singing “Let Freedom Ring” , while the 7-12 grade band, directed by Mrs. Jessica Steckly, played, “In Infamy”.
Jackson Legion Auxiliary sponsored an Americanism Essay contest last spring for students in grades 3-6. The following students whose 1st place essays were judged at the State level, read their essays: Class 1-Grades 3/4 Alexa McGhee currently a 4th grader, Class 6-Alternative-Emma Twohig currently a 5th grader, and Class 2-Grades 5/6 Lexi Swick currently a 7tth grader.
High school student council members Addie McGill and Kaden Fields recognized veterans and military men and women in attendance at the program. High School Student Council member Nathan Bauman recognized Ponca High School senior Carson Beckner who has made plans to enlist second semester in the United States Army. Carson wants to become an Army Ranger.
Ponca High School Student Council president Olivia Hrouda introduced guest speaker Dr. Nicole Anderson-Ericksen, who gave a talk about her trip to Normandy, France and visiting Omaha Beach where her grandfather Lloyd S. Anderson, U. S. Army tank commander was involved in the D-Day invasion during World War II.
Olivia Hrouda, also introduced Mary Rastede, Becky Brennan and Jodie Kilton, Quilts of Valor volunteers who made and donated sixteen quilts, along with the Quilts of Valor Organization from Wakefield, Allen, and Ponca. The following veterans received quilts surrounded by family members: Garry Bauman, Milo Birkley, Earl “Skip” Bogard, Leon Conrad, Don Curry, Harold Curry, Howard Gibbs, Grant R. Jager, Sr., Ray Kneifl, Arnold Mellick, Raymond Navrkal, Charlie Nelson, Raynor “Pete” Peterson, John Schweers, Ken Watkins, and Earl Wege.
Grace Rooney and Avery McAfee treasurers of the High School and Elementary Student Councils presented a donation in the amount of $1,674.55 to Mary Rastede, Jodie Kilton and Becky Brennan for the Quilts of Valor Organization. The donation was made possible from proceeds from character meeting student and staff donations, the Ponca National Honor Society, the Ponca Music Boosters, the Ponca Education Association ,and the Ponca Elementary and High School Student Councils.
Mr. Jody Phillips, Ponca School Superintendent, gave the closing remarks.
During the program a multimedia series of computer visuals created by Ponca Schools’ technologist Mrs. Kristie Hayes projected them on a large screen and the sound system was operated by Ponca Schools’ technologist Andy Stark.