Veterans’ devotion and patriotism to their country ranks high in the eyes of the Neelyville community and its students.
Each year, Neelyville High School honors veterans with a patriotic assembly.
Lisa French’s art classes and Brandi Lumby’s history classes work together to honor the veterans with small and large projects which are displayed for the annual event.
“This year, our collaborative rice mural project, which included two 4-foot by 8-foot mosaics, caught the attention of our local State Senator Jason Bean,” Lumby said. “As a result, Senator Bean invited Neelyville High School to Jefferson City in order to showcase these projects in the state capitol building and receive recognition for all their hard work.”
The students received VIP treatment, which included being introduced to the Missouri State Senate by Bean and to the House of Representatives by Rep. Cameron Parker, and eating lunch with Majority Whip Rep. Hardy Billington as well as Parker.
“Students were also brought down on the Senate floor by Senator Bean and received tours of the capitol building and the Governor’s mansion,” Lumby said. “The Neelyville district would like to thank all those who made the trip possible.”
French explained, “The Neelyville American History and art classes were grateful and humbled to have been invited to display this year’s veterans murals at the State Capital. Three years ago, we had been invited to show some rock murals we had created, but then the pandemic hit, and everything was canceled. That just makes this trip and this opportunity that much more meaningful. The students can’t wait to continue making art to honor our local veterans.”
Student Avlyn Fletcher said, “I chose to take part in this project to not only learn more about Desert Storm but to also show my appreciation for every veteran and build new friendships with the students who worked on these murals. As a senior, having the privilege to tour the capitol building and have a conversation with Senator Jason Bean will always be something I will never forget.”
Other students on the trip were Merin Inman, Blake Rush, Paige Long, Callie Moss, Madi Prosser, Kierston Turner, Mac Prosser, Jaden Williams, Ethren Stokes, Emma Sheehy, Tara Shovlin, Keats Shovlin, Brooklyn Piroli, Maddie Lumby, Avlyn Fletcher, Kendra Kovach and Peyton Barker.
In addition to being the high school history teacher, Lumby is the college and career advisor and junior high school and high school cheer coach.
French teaches seventh through 12th grade art and is the art club sponsor.
“The Neelyville district would like to thank all those who made the trip possible,” Lumby said.
The sponsors were Office of Senator Jason Bean, Office of Rep. Hardy Billington, Office of Rep. Cameron Parker, Riceland, Morgan Small Engine Repair, Ozark Federal Credit Union, White’s Truck Repair, Isom Brothers. Fowler & Sons Funeral Home, Davis Motors, PB Outdoor Power and Equipment, Berry Farms, Turner Farms, Cydkam Center LLC, Hover Farms , Creach’s Golf Carts, JP Automotive, Barker’s Towing, Fowler Gas Co., JRL Construction LLC, Myrtle’s Place and Hill Farms.