Today, Bowling Green High School hosted a Veterans Day Assembly, honoring the brave men and women who have served the nation. Students were invited to bring a veteran in their lives as a guest, making this a day full of pride, gratitude, and remembrance.
The assembly began with patriotic music by the BGHS Band, filling the gym with stirring melodies. During the program the band also played God Bless the U.S.A., the Armed Forces Medley and band members Kaleb Van Vorhis and Sam Kozey played taps as a duet.
As the event began, four students – Shawn Carney, Logan Krueger, Cooper Davis and Garrett Weckesser – who are in troops with Boy Scouts of America, presented the colors, while the BGHS Madrigals sang a rendition of the national anthem, as well as their performance of Stand with the Brave.
In a special moment, the district’s Hometown Hero Penny War check for $3,179.26 was presented by Principal Dan Black and StuCrew member Ella Koester to Joe Edens from the Bowling Green Community Foundation. This donation will support the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, honoring local veterans throughout our community.
Speakers from the Model UN, Sierra Jessee and Kaylee Coken, reflected on the symbolism of the American flag’s colors and expressed the students’ gratitude for the veterans’ sacrifices.
Guest speaker Steven Benner shared the story of his journey in the military, from ROTC to serving in Vietnam, and his continued dedication to veterans groups after his service.
There was also a moment of silence, in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, symbolized by the empty chair with a yellow ribbon. The students also honored Wood County service members who are listed as casualties, including MIA and POWs, earlier this week by writing each name on a yellow ribbon and tying them to the trees in front of the entrance to the high school.
The assembly also included the presentation of the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award by Stephen Ledbetter, with the VFW Post 1148, to Nicole Kosakowski, honoring her work in promoting citizenship education. She has been the dedicated organizer behind BGHS’s Veterans Day program for many years, inspiring patriotism as well as respect and remembrance for veterans among the students.
