Watch the video Greene County students made as a tribute to veterans
With Veterans Day on Saturday students at Greene County High School and Paton-Churdan observed it a day early.
At Greene County, the student council served veterans and their wives breakfast in the Ram Restaurant and then gave them seats of honor at an assembly. The band performed a medley of service songs, and Haley Hall and Regan Lamoureux were emcees.
Ryan Stott, a 2000 Jefferson-Scranton graduate and an F-16 fighter pilot, first in the Air Force and now in the Air National Guard, was guest speaker. He flew bombing missions against the Taliban in Afghanistan as a National Guard pilot.
Students listened very attentively as he shared two particular events that made a lasting impression on him. He also reminded them of the importance of making smart choices, telling of a buddy who was not accepted into pilot training because of bad choices he had made in high school.
The high school’s media production class prepared a veterans tribute that was part of the assembly. The video featured veterans Chad Morman (high school construction teacher), principal Brian Phillips, deputy Shane Monthei, Roger Carlson, and Nelson and Marie Carman.
At Paton-Churdan, the Veterans Day program included students from every grade. Pictured are first graders singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
John Lonergan, adjutant of the Churdan American Legion post, made brief comments.
More than two dozen Churdan area veterans were at the program, and they were given cards of thanks by students.
Empty chairs were placed to honor six veterans who died during the year – Pat Casserly, Don McCormick, Vincent Monahan, Gary Brown, Don Culbertson and Paul Schmitt.
A special display in the hallway featured veterans who are relatives of Paton-Churdan students.
