NEISD campuses celebrate Veterans Day
Campuses across the district celebrated Veterans Day. Scroll through the list of events, or select the campus: Bradley, Bulverde Creek, Bush, Canyon Ridge, Castle Hills, Churchill, Colonial Hills, Dellview, East Terrell Hills, El Dorado, Encino Park, Garner, Hardy Oak, Harmony Hills, Hidden Forest, Jackson, Johnson, Lee, Longs Creek, Lopez, MacArthur, Madison, Northern Hills, Northwood, Olmos, Reagan, Redland Oaks, Regency Place, Ridgeview, Stone Oak, Tejeda, Thousand Oaks, West Avenue, Wilderness Oak, Wilshire, White, and Windcrest .
Bradley holds Veterans Day assembly
Bradley Middle School held a Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 11 for each grade-level in the school's gym.
"[The] assembly remembers the soldiers that have gone on before us to give us the civil liberties that we enjoy today," said Justin Oxley, principal.
The Bradley choir, band and orchestra performed while guest speakers shared their thoughts with the students. The Churchill JROTC also performed.
Veterans and current service men and women were present and recognized during each assembly.
Top Left and Top Right - JROTC Armed and Unarmed Drill Team Members performed during each assembly.
Above left and right - students, faculty/staff and guests had the opportunity to receive a carnation in honor of veterans. Later in the assembly, the carnations were placed at the base of the flag.
Bulverde Creek celebrates Veterans Day, evening program
Bulverde Creek Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day with an evening program in the cafeteria on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The JROTC from Johnson High School posted the colors, and the Bulverde Creek Student Council president led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Bulverde Creek All-Stars choir sang the National Anthem and later performed "American the Free." Julianna Lester, PTA Vice President, welcomed all veterans and presented a history of Veterans Day.
During the week of Nov. 9, veterans were honored at school by a kindergarten poster display and acrostic poetry written by first and second graders. Third, fourth and fifth graders participated in an essay contest, writing to the theme "Freedom is not Free." Winners in each category were announced during the Veterans Day program and presented their winning entries on announcements during the week-long celebration.
Bush parent sends Veterans Day Message from Iraq
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Bush Middle School celebrated Veterans Day. The ceremony was highlighted by a special video-message sent from Iraq by Major Mark Slabaugh, the parent of two Bush students.
At the end of the ceremony, Major Slabaugh extended his greetings to everyone and reminded all about service to America and the sacrifices our service men and women make each day.
Canyon Ridge hosts fifth annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Canyon Ridge Elementary School hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6.
The Reagan High School JROTC posted the colors, the Canyon Ridge choir performed and Ralph Van Cleave provided an inspirational speech to visitors, students and staff.
All veterans and families of veterans were encouraged to attend. Refreshments were served after the ceremony in the downstairs foyer.
Students were also encouraged to bring in veteran honors, awards, letters and memorabilia to be put on display.
Canyon Ridge also conducted its twice-annual letter-writing campaign for troops.
Castle Hills honors veterans
Castle Hills Elementary School welcomed a local Brownie Troop to post campus Flags on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. The entire school stood around the Flags as they were posted and recited the Pledges.
Churchill honors veterans
The Churchill High School Charger Battalion and Parliament invited local veterans to attend the Veterans Day flag raising ceremony. Veterans within the Churchill faculty were recognized, presented with a flag pin and escorted to the Circle of Honor.
"We want to take this opportunity to recognize and remember those who have served and still serve our country," said Sergio Ramon, JROTC instructor.
Colonial Hills welcomes Representative Castro, honors veterans
Colonial Hills Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with a ceremony where Representative Joaquin Castro served as guest speaker.
Representative Castro spoke on the topic: "Why we should be thankful to live in the U.S., and the importance of a good education and being a good citizen."
Dellview honors veterans
Dellview Elementary School honored the men and women of its community who have served, or are currently serving, as military personnel for Veterans Day. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Student Council, third grade performers, students, Lee High School JRTOC Color Guard, and faculty participated in an assembly in recognition of the things these men and women have done for our country. Nineteen veterans attended the program where they're efforts were recognized.
East Terrell Hills holds ceremony to honor veterans
East Terrell Hills Elementary School honored its community veterans with a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The colors were posted by Roosevelt High School JROTC cadets.
The national anthem was sung by teachers and students. A rendition of "America the Beautiful" was performed by third grade students.
An NCO veteran from BAMC spoke about patriotism, respect and dedication. An East Terrell Hills staff member, who is a veteran and a descendent of a Tejano who fought in the Alamo, also spoke. The ceremony ended with students lining up to personally thank the veterans in attendance.
El Dorado honors veterans
El Dorado Elementary School held a Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in front of the school.
Encino Park celebrates Veterans Day
Encino Park Elementary School students prepared for Veterans Day by taking home a 'medal of honor' to decorate with information about a relative that has been in the Armed Forces. These medals were displayed during the week of Veterans Day.
An announcement about Veterans Day was made during the televised morning announcements. Students also viewed a PowerPoint presentation about Veterans Day, which highlighted Encino Park veterans.
Finally, students viewed an AmeriQuest Kids video entitled "Why We Serve" to help explain what the Armed Forces are and what they do for the country.
Garner fills street with American flags
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, National Junior Honor Society students from Garner Middle School stood at the front of the school near Harry Wurzbach Road, holding American flags. The students wanted to honor those who are traveling to and/or from Fort Sam Houston.
After this presentation, the school held two assemblies that included patriotic music and a guest speaker.
Hardy Oak celebrates Veterans Day
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Hardy Oak Elementary School celebrated members of the community that have served our country as Veterans.
All members of the Hardy Oak community were invited to attend and share in this celebration.
Harmony Hills celebrates Veterans Day
Veterans related to Harmony Hills Elementary School students and/or staff members were invited to a special celebration ceremony for Veterans Day.
Hidden Forest honors veterans
Hidden Forest Elementary School honored veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with a reception and ceremony. Veterans were invited to the school for a reception in the library at 7:30 a.m. Following the reception, the school held a ceremony on the front lawn.
The ceremony included a welcome from the principal, flag raising, patriotic music, recognition of veterans and a history of Veterans Day. Serving as guest speaker, Major General (Retired) Elvin Schofield addressed students, staff and honored guests.
Major General Schofield is a long time resident of San Antonio. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 35 years and was employed as a banker and manufacturing company executive prior to his retirement. He has been active in professional and civic organizations to include Ambassador to the Chief of Army Reserves and State Chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in Texas. He is currently a substitute teacher. He has been married to his wife Roxanna for more than 50 years, and together they have two daughters and six grandchildren.
Jackson honors veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Jackson Middle School Peer Assistance Leaders (PALs) honored veterans by passing out American Flags to all of the visitors to the campus. The PALs made posters to display along the curbside of Vance Jackson, showing the campus' support for the military.
On Thursday, Nov. 12. the Jackson Jr. Optimist Club recognized Veterans during their annual Wells for Africa dinner. The choir and orchestra performed patriotic music during the event.
Johnson JROTC leads "Remember the Vet" parade
The Johnson High School Amy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AJROTC) recognized Veterans Day, Nov. 11 with a "Remember the Vet" parade at the school's football field.
The ceremony was directed by the cadets and included a history of why we recognize Veterans Day. Additionally, a Veteran guest speaker delivered remarks.
The parade included the cadets of the "Exemplify Success – Nothing Less" battalion, the marching band, choir, dance team and cheerleaders. Cadets provided "Buddy Poppies" for all veterans in the audience and made them available to others who wanted to show their support for veterans.
Top left - Johnson choir recognizes the four branches of the military through a medley.
LTC (Retired) Alan Maitland, Senior Army Instructor for Johnson, walks the veteran guest speaker back to his seat.
Above left - The Johnson JROTC Armed Drill team performed.
Above right - The Johnson dance team supported the cadets in the parade.
Lee honors veterans through ceremony
On Nov. 11, the Lee High School JROTC hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony in the grassy courtyard between Lee and The International School of the Americas (ISA) administration buildings.
The entire Lee JROTC Corps of Volunteers were present, as well as the Lee Band. The ceremony honored any and all veterans, those who have served before, those serving today and those currently deployed for combat
Longs Creek honors veterans in community
Longs Creek Elementary School held its annual Veteran Day Assembly to honor those who serve in the armed forces. The assembly included a keynote speaker and a performance by the fourth and fifth grade All Stars.
Lopez honors veterans
Lopez Middle School honored the Lopez military community with a reception and ceremony celebrating the dedication and commitment of those serving in the Armed Forces.
According to Lopez Assistant Principal Pete Darnell, the ceremony was "truly a patriotic, heart-warming Veterans Day ceremony."
In addition to honoring and remembering veterans, the intent was to involve as many students as possible.
The day began with a reception for honored guests. The National Junior Honor Society and Student Involvement Committee prepared decorations, and students from Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and the Skills for Living classes provided the refreshments. Art classes provided hallway decorations.
The Reagan JROTC contingent (Adam Frye, Zac Kruger, Colin Post and Alexander Quintanilla) presented the colors. With the wind picking up, the cadets took the initiative to position themselves so as to secure the colors.
The Lopez choir, band and orchestra performed as well.
"We were privileged to hear Major May and his 8th grade daughter Carly speak on the origins of Veterans Day followed by our counselor, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Rich Behrens speaking of his personal experiences," said Darnell.
Jordan Boone (3rd place), Eleni Michaelides (2nd place), and Omair Zahid (1st place), winners of the contest "What Freedom Means to Me," then read their essays. As a surprise, Maggie and Samantha Wickwire --daughter and granddaughter of Medal of Honor winner and school namesake Sergeant Jose Lopez--also spoke to the students.
After the veterans in attendance and families of deployed military personnel were recognized, Taps was sung. The student body was then asked to dismiss themselves silently back to their classrooms.
"Having caught the spirit of the ceremony, the entire student body--over 1,100 strong--quietly and reverently departed," said Darnell.
MacArthur JROTC cadets line street with flags, honor veterans
Members of the MacArthur High School JROTC lined the street in front of the campus with flags.
"The JROTC was very proud and honored to be able to do something to remember those serving," said Lieutenant Colonel Bob Blake, JROTC instructor.
Madison JROTC cadets honor veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, t he JROTC cadets from Madison High School held a Veterans Day Ceremony in honor of those who have served or currently serve in the armed forces. The ceremony took place in front of Madison High School at 8 a.m.
Cadet Captain Justin Scott, Madison JROTC's Master of Ceremonies, spoke with the veterans and high school students in attendance on the significance of Veterans Day. The Patriot Guard Color Guard Team raised the flag ceremonially in honor of all our veterans. The whole JROTC Battalion were present, as were veterans and Madison students and staff.
"The event turned out to be an excellent turnout," said LTC Amador Cano. "Veterans Day at James Madison was a resounding success.The Corps of cadets made the entire ceremony extra special for our veterans."
Northern Hills holds 14th annual Veterans Day Celebration
Northern Hills Elementary School held its 14th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to honor veterans and active duty military personnel. Staff Sergeant Charles Mascilli served as guest speaker where he shared his military experiences, emphasizing the use of the virtues in both military and civilian life.
In addition to Mascilli, color guard and JROTC cadets from Madison High School performed, as well as the Northern Hills fourth and fifth grade Honor Choir.
This event is the culmination of a unit of study in the music and academic classrooms about American's freedoms and responsibilities.
Northwood honors veterans and everyday heroes
In honor of Veterans Day, Northwood Elementary School honored veterans and everyday heroes, such as firefighters and police officers, on Thursday, Nov. 5. To help in the celebration, the Churchill High School JROTC Women's colorguard and Queens Guard Drill Team, under the direction of CW3 Sergio Ramon, performed.
Heroes were recognized in front of the entire school with poems and words of encouragement.
The Queens Guard Drill Team then performed their precision exhibition routine.
The Northwood PTA sponsored a breakfast following the ceremony for the honored guests.
Olmos honors veterans
Olmos Elementary School held morning announcements on the blacktop on Wednesday, Nov. 11. During this time, the Lee High School drumline performed and two trumpeters played Taps. Olmos students also performed one song.
A 'Wall of Service' was displayed in the cafeteria.
Veterans were invited to have refreshments in the cafeteria after the announcements and music program.
Reagan JROTC supports local rotary club Veterans Day Meeting
The Reagan High School JROTC Color Guard was invited to the Rotary Club of San Antonio's annual Veterans Day Meeting on Friday, Nov. 13. The Stone Oak Rotary joined with the Sunrise Rotary Club to honor veterans. The Reagan JROTC posted the colors at noon.
Redland Oaks holds Veterans Day Assembly
Redland Oaks Elementary School honored veterans during a special program on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. The MacArthur JROTC posted the colors and folded a special American flag that was flown over Iraq during a medical mission in honor of the school.
Dressed in authentic period clothing, the Heroes of '76, from Chapter 17 of the National Sojourners at Ft. Sam Houston presented the history behind many of the American flags that have flown over our nation since colonial times. The children from the KINS after school program honored the veterans with a huge flag made out of red, white and blue hands.
The Redland Oaks Honor Choir acknowledged each branch of the military by singing each of the Armed Services Songs, as well as "Here's to the Heroes."
"Perhaps the best part of the program was hearing from each of our veterans," said Mary Longloy, principal. As each veteran stood to share their name and story, the student whom they personally honored with their presence stood to acknowledge the love and admiration they had for their father, mother, brother, uncle, grandfather or great-grandfather.
The introductions began with the school's most senior veteran, 96-year-old Master Sergeant Frank C. Steklein. Known as Frank to his friends and family, he shared that he served for 30 years in the Army, Army Air Corp and Air Force. Frank served on the frontline in WWII before he was captured in Corragidor and held as a POW for 40 months, first in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines, then for one year in the coal mines of Japan.
Steklein received 2 Purple Hearts for meritorious valor. Steklein is the grandfather of second-grader Cameron Johnson and father to first grade teacher Beverly Johnson.
"His sacrifice and valor exemplified the service all of our veterans and active duty personnel unselfishly give to protect our great country," said Longloy. "Frank, and all our veteran's, are number one in the hearts of our Redland Oaks community."
Regency Place welcomes WWII Veteran George Lockheart
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Regency Place Elementary School welcomed a visit from WWII Veteran George Lockheart (USAF Retired). Lockheart shared his experience as a participant of Operation Chowhound that occurred in May 1944 in a presentation to fifth-grade students.
Operation Chowhound dropped thousands of pounds of much needed food to the starving people of Holland after Axis forces cut off all supply routes following the D-Day invasion.
Ridgeview honors Veterans with ceremony and reception
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Ridgeview Elementary School staff, students, parents and veterans gathered around the flag pole in front of the school to participate in a flag ceremony in honor of the school's Veterans
Veterans of Ridgeview staff and families were present in uniform, representing all branches of the military. Students from the Nimitz Middle School drumline and brass performed, as well as the Lee High School JROTC. Ridgeview students performed songs led by their music teacher.
A reception followed the ceremony for all veterans and their families in the school library.
Stone Oak honors veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Stone Oak Elementary School parents students spoke on morning announcements to show their appreciation of those men and women who serve and who have served in the armed forces.
Tejeda visits History Hill for Veterans Day
Tejeda Middle School invited veterans in the community to attend the school's Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 on History Hill. Tejeda acknowledged all of the great servicemen, past and present, in the United States Military.
Every student was given a Red, White and Blue ribbon to write the name of a veterans in their life, then all of the ribbons were placed on a Gazebo located on Tejeda's History Hill, which is dedicated to all military services.
The Band played and the choir sang to kick off the morning. Four Tejeda students read the History of Frank M. Tejeda and all of his military accomplishments. Principal John Mehlbrech led the ceremony and placed a commemorative ribbon in a prominent location in honor of Frank M. Tejeda on the Military Gazebo.
During the ceremony the Band played the "Service Anthems" as the children of the Veterans in attendance thanked their loved ones with flowers and cards. The cards were each handcrafted and created by the Advanced Art students.
A reception was held for all honored guests and veterans in attendance immediately following the presentation.
"It was a great day to be alive and to be a T-Wolf," said Julie Shore, assistant principal.
Top left - The children of veterans in attendance at the ceremony gave their family members cards designed by the Advanced Art students.
Top right - Ribbons with the names of veterans in each covered the gazebo.
Thousand Oaks celebrates Veterans Day with music
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, third - fifth grade students at Thousand Oaks Elementary School performed musical selections in honor of Veterans Day during a morning ceremony in the cafetorium. Active duty military parents (present and deployed) were introduced and recognized, as well as faculty/staff veterans.
Later that afternoon, the day-long celebration ended with the MacArthur High School JROTC performing for the entire campus.
West Avenue dedicates bench to all military veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, West Avenue Elementary School dedicated a bench to all military veterans.
An invitation was sent out prior to the ceremony inviting all family members who were serving or had previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces. On hand for the ceremony were veterans who served in Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Retired Air Force Band trombone player and West Avenue music teacher Mark Hill played the National Anthem to begin the dedication.
"The event was appreciated by all in attendance," said Peter Rangel, West Avenue counselor.
Sergeant Major Greg Henricks, a retired marine who recently moved to San Antonio from Minnesota, said that he was "amazed by the amount of appreciation Texas bestows upon veterans."
Wilderness Oak holds Veterans Day celebration
Wilderness Oak Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 6. In addition to the ceremonial performances, Wilderness Oak presented a check of more than $2,400 to a representative from the Warrior and Family Support Center. The money raised is from the sale of more than 4,000 smencils (gourmet scented pencils made from 100 percent recycled newspaper) by the fourth-grade classes during October.
"This celebration is always a very anticipated event, by not only the students and staff, but also by the many veterans and active military personnel that make up our school," said Janie Munoz, Spanish teacher. "The whole presentation is performed with respect for what our military does for our country."
The event began with a breakfast in the library for all the guests. Then everyone then walked to the outdoor amphitheater where the Reagan High School JROTC presented the colors and provided a tandem exhibition.
The Wilderness Oak choir performed patriotic music, and a group of fifth-grade students presented a skit about "Old Glory."
The ceremony concluded with a rendition of taps sung by Wilderness Oak Music Teacher Lisa Crawford.
Top Left - Wilderness Oak students present check of more than $2,400 to the Warrior and Family Support Center.
Top Right - JRTOC Cadets from Reagan High School perform a Tandem Exhibition.
Above Left - Wilderness Oak students perform skit about "Old Glory."
Above Right - Different branches of the military were each recognized at the ceremony.
Wilshire honors veterans
In Remembrance of Veterans Day, Wilshire Elementary School hosted a ceremony to honor all of America's veterans for their loyal and dedicated service.
A flag raising ceremony started at 7:30 a.m., led by the Roosevelt High School JROTC Color Guard. The Wilshire Choir performed two songs: "God Bless America" and "Thank a Vet."
Wilshire student council members and patrols presented veterans with a "remembrance day poppy seed." The Poppy seeds were made by selected Wilshire Self Managers.
During the week of Veterans Day, Wilshire students completed craft projects that helped them understand the significance of Veterans Day.
The Wilshire student council made "Hero Stamps" from pictures sent in from the school community. These stamps were presented back to families during the celebration.
White holds 18th annual Veterans Day program
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, White Middle School invited the community to come together to celebrate the contributions of those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. Two ceremonies were held in the school's cafeteria at 8:45 a.m. and again at 10 a.m.
Air Force Second Lieutenant Bernard Harper served as Keynote Speaker. The school's band and choir performed, as well as Roosevelt High School's JROTC.
Windcrest honors veterans
Windcrest Elementary School held a Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 on the school's front parking lot. The ceremony included a flag raising and Taps.
Posted on October 7, 2009