CGHS Honors Local Veterans
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Cumberland Gap High School honored its local veterans with a ceremony held on Thursday, November 8, in its high school gymnasium. The event began with a lunch, hosted by the students of Mrs. Karen Roney, the Foods and Nutrition instructor at the school. The FCCLA officers served croissants, cupcakes, and other snacks. In addition, these students had decorated the auditorium in patriotic decorations and colors.
At 1:00, the veterans' wives and special guests were seated by student ushers. After that, the veterans were seated by Uncle Sam, better known at CGHS as Jordan Jones. Danielle Bailey announced each branch of service and the local veterans entered past a flag brigade welcome to the music of their respective branch of service's theme song. Josh Bussell then introduced the veterans from CGHS, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. After the playing of The Star Spangled Banner, Chasity Massengill, Suzannah Matthews, Carla Dunn, and Jessica Bradford spoke about the Statue of Liberty, and what it represents to all Americans and its significance as a symbol of freedom. Lady Liberty, also known as Samantha Cox, recited the poem "The New Colossus" which is engraved on the Statue of Liberty base. Mr. William Jessie, a teacher at CGHS, spoke of the sacrifices of the local veterans in the belief that freedom and liberty should be for all men.
The mood was then lightened by the CGHS Pantherettes, who performed a dance to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Following the recognition of special guests by Mr. Troy Poore, principal of CGHS, Brandie Napier introduced the CGHS band, which played America and America, the Beautiful. Amy Patton then read a silent roll call, along with a ringing of a bell by Dean Waldroop, to honor veterans who had given their lives in sacrifice of their country. Taps was then played to honor fallen heroes. After Nick Wheland's introduction of prisoner of war veteran Rev. Casper "Tip" Moore, Mr. Moore gave a touching benediction, remembering veterans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Mr. Poore then offered closing remarks, and each of the 101 veterans in attendance was given a gift bag, with the presents purchased by the Spanish, French, Science, Key, Beta, HOSA, and Skills USA clubs at CGHS.
Each of the students who helped to plan this Veterans Day ceremony had spent hours after school making decorations, calling veterans, and completing other tasks in order to make this day successful.