Junior High Bulldogs Honor Veterans

Kearney Junior High students and staff recognized and celebrated those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a special Veterans Day breakfast and assembly this morning.

Dozens of veterans who are also junior high parents/guardians or other family members were guests of students and staff members at the breakfast, which was held in the school library. This was the first Veterans Day event of its type at the school in recent memory, according to Principal John Goodin.

Junior high social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines.

“We wanted to do something special for all of our veterans and their families. That’s important for all of us at Kearney Junior High,” Mr. Goodin said. “We also saw this as an opportunity for our students to learn more about these veterans and their selfless service.”

Immediately following the breakfast, the veterans and their families were ushered into the school gym for a special assembly with the entire student body and staff. The program started with a ninth-grade band performance of the song, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” the Presentation of the Colors by members of Boy Scout Troop #397, and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the school Chamber Choir.

Several students recited names as part of the Missing Man table presentation. Junior high teacher Daniel Roberts read a list recognizing the veterans who were guests at the event.

Junior high social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines, which included deployment to Iraq and service in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He talked about why it’s important to honor veterans and encouraged all students to consider public service in the military as a career option.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.