Wallace Middle School Hosts 20th Annual Veterans Day Program

Military Veterans and their families filled tables on the floor of the P.E. Wallace Middle School Gym while students and staff filled the stands in colored shirts that represented the flag of the United States on Friday, November 10 as Wallace presented their 20th annual Veterans Day Program.

Started 20 years ago by then principal Rodney Huffman and teachers Jana Milam and Vicki Sinclair, the program was created to fulfill two purposes: to honor military veterans and to help Wallace students understand the role and sacrifices of those who serve in the military.

“We recognized that there were many of our students who had no contact with anyone who had served in the military,” said guest speaker Rodney Huffman. “Jana and Vicki convinced me that it was important and I agreed. I was not sure anyone would show up that first year and look, here it is 20 years later, and our veterans are still attending and our students are still honoring them.”

The program was full of music: the MPHS Jazz Band, the Wallace 5th and 6th Grade Choirs, the “Andrews Sisters” (Tracie Johnson, Zena Lawrence, Julie Merrill, Shonda Randle, Nan Verner, Deanna Warren and Diane Swiger on the Piano), and solos by Landon Johnson, Karen Luckett and Vicki Sinclair. Tim Ervin played “Reveille” and “Taps” to open and close the program.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department posted and retrieved the American and Texas flags, while Wallace students presented the military branch flags and, finally, the POW-MIA flag which was accompanied by a moment of silence.

Military widows, active military members, World War II veterans and recipients of military awards for Valor and Purple Hearts were honored. Wallace students read the names of Titus County residents who had served in World War I.

Sixth grade student Makayla Spigner read her Pilot Club Award-winning essay, “What American Means to Me.” Pilot Club member Betty Reese presented Spigner a certificate for writing the moving essay.

“This program is always a highlight of the year,” said MPISD Director of Communication Dr. Judith Saxton. “It was especially touching this year to have World War 2 vets with us, all of them in their 90’s. If you haven’t experienced a Wallace Veterans Day program be sure to attend the 21st Annual Program next year. It will be well worth your time.”