The talent of Neelyville School District’s student body was on display Friday morning with a celebration of veterans through pictures, poems, songs, and art projects. The ceremony featured performances from individual students, the Neelyville High School Choir, and faculty.
Art teachers Jennifer Prince and Lisa French showcased their classes’ various projects around the auditorium.
“Our gym looks super awesome this year,” Prince remarked.
French added, “Every year we spend a lot of time on our Veteran’s Day projects.”
At the back gym were two large murals painted by the upper art classes. One featured a three-dimensional motif of a bald eagle carrying a textured flag over a military ceremony. On the other side of the stage was a painting with subtle details such as a sunset incorporating the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
At the center was a carefully crafted display using 4,000 strands of LED lights spelling out the Bill of Rights. From the kindergarten to the high school, the space was filled with patriotic pieces and projects.
Superintendent Heather Black said the students’ artwork will often be selected for display in prominent locations such as the state capitol.
“I think the art program outdoes itself every year,” she commented.
English teacher Jentri Worley presented the district’s Veterans Day poem competition. Seventh through 12th grade submitted poetry centered on themes of freedom, sacrifice, and service.
The first through third place winners’ submissions were placed in a booklet and given to the veterans in attendance.
“We hope the veterans love them and appreciate it every time they read them,” Worley said.
In addition to the artistic displays, senior Haylyn Crockett signed a contract for service in the military.
High School Principal Justin Dobbins congratulated her. “We are very proud of you.”
The ceremony concluded with a signing of “God Bless the USA” and the distribution of gift bags to every veteran present. Black said the veterans assembly has taken place for over 20 years at the school and grows every year.
She clarified fostering a culture of patriotism and freedom is a large part of Neelyville’s focus.
“We’re teaching a love for country and to respect our veterans,” Black expressed, “‘Thank you’ cannot be said enough to our veterans.”
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