Alva Review-Courier -

Despite freezing temperatures and cold wind, a large crowd attended the Monday afternoon Veterans Day Celebration at the Alva Middle School. Before the program began, people enjoyed looking through the multiple displays created by the seventh grade geography students. Each featured an individual veteran, many of whom were related to the students. Interviews the veterans were posted along with shared photographs, uniforms, medals and other memorabilia from their time in the military.

Marione Martin

(Top Row left to right)Kelan Penco features his uncle and Alva High School graduate Dustin McDermott, MD in this Veteran's Day display at the Alva Middle School. Charles Shafer interviewed his grandfather David Weaver who also provided uniforms, photos and other keepsakes from his military service. The display includes a flag flown by Weaver in honor of Carl Welch, Shafer's great grandfather. As members of the AMS Student Council read "America's White Table" by Margo Theis Reven, students place items on the table. (Bottom Row-Left to right) Jansen Shirley's display features veteran Ben Randall. The Veteran's Day displays at Alva Middle School were an assignment for seventh grade geography. This colorful display by AMS student Avery McMurphy highlights the army career of her uncle Jim Gregory. Dressed in patriotic colors, Teagan Cook sits beside her display about veteran Donald Hubbard. The map quilt on the table includes a pin marking the spot where he served.

Jansen Shirley and Mya Williams welcomed the crowd, followed by the posting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scouts of American Troop 392.

The large Alva Middle School Choir filed in to fill the entire south end of the AMS cafeteria. Several choir members stepped forward to speak the opening poem before joining their classmates to sing "Thank You, Soldier" directed by Alisha Beleele.

Veterans were asked to stand as their names were read by Mackinzie Mackey, Lakin Gaddy and Cade Mackey. Each was given a certificate of recognition for their service.

Following a tribute video featuring each branch of the military, Brady Lott, Avery McMurphy and Myah Graves narrated the history of Veterans Day.

As a recording narrated by student council members of "America's White Table" by Margo Theis Reven was played, members of the student council draped a small table with a white cloth and placed items mentioned in the story.

The program concluded with the haunting sound of "Taps" played by Alva High School student Nathan Andrews of Boy Scout Troop 251.

A video of the program may be viewed at AlvaReviewCourier.com.