The Paton-Churdan School District is once again going to host a Veterans Day event.

Student Council Sponsor Makayla Sparr says the program begins at 1:30pm where all local veterans, as well as the public are invited to attend. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio students from every grade level from kindergarten through 12th are participating once again. Sparr notes that some students will be singing, while others are giving veterans hand-written letters, handing out candy or giving cards, along with other ways to say “thank you” to veterans for their service in the military. 

Sparr points out this year’s guest speaker is Colonel Monica Brouse. She says Colonel Brouse will be retiring after serving for 37 years, and is currently assigned to the 132nd Wing in Des Moines. Sparr adds that Brouse has been in several positions during her military tenure, including Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander, Mission Support Group Commander, and Vice Wing Commander. 

As the Student Council Sponsor and in her sixth year of being in charge of the Veterans Day program, Sparr says her favorite part of hosting this program is seeing how the students can learn from the veterans and the opportunity for them to thank all those who served to defend the US. She has enjoyed attending these programs growing up and finding them powerful and meaningful. 

Activities for the different grade levels:

Kindergarten – Leading the Pledge of Allegiance

1st Grade – Singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag”

2nd and 3rd Grades – Giving veterans hand-written letters and reading a poem

4th Grade – Marching and saluting the US Flag and the veterans; as well as giving veterans cards

5th Grade – Handing out candy to families of veterans

8th and 9th Grades – Reading a poem and handing out goodie bags

High School Student Council are conducting the program