Veteran's Day
November 17, 2015
It was an exciting Veteran’s Day for students, staff, and our honored guests at Avila R-13 last week. Our students spent several days creating American and Veteran themed projects which were displayed in the hallways of our school in anticipation for our Veterans Day celebration. A bulletin board displayed military photos of our past and present family members who served in the military. Our Veterans were greeted by students who led them to their luncheon which was prepared by our staff. We were all surprised upon the end of our luncheon when our power went out, leaving us in the dark. Our staff and Student Council members gathered flashlights as we maintained the motto "The show must go on", as we used flashlights to begin our presentation of posting the colors. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students sang songs to the veterans in a beautiful, touching, and heartfelt way without any music accompaniment. The band played wonderful instrumental selections as the audience sat in a dark gym illuminated by flashlight. The speakers, Derek Forst of the U. S. Army, and Dr. Ragena Mize, Superintendent, spoke at a dimly lit podium making their speeches all the more powerful. The event ended with James Mize, Veteran of the U.S. Naval Band, and Chuck Wolfe, our Athletic Director playing Taps Echo in our darkened gym. As our student returned to classes they were able to thank our Veterans for their service by shaking their hands, giving hugs, or presenting mementos of their appreciation. The power came back on just in time to allow our guests the opportunity to tour our hallways to admire the student's art work and writings.
