Students, staff and community members gathered Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 11, for the annual Wessington Springs Veterans Day Program, coordinated by the school’s Leadership and Service class and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Senior Chapter. The ceremony, held at 2 p.m. in the school gym, honored local veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Masters of Ceremony Londyn Mikkelsen, Tenley Olinger, and Jalene Reiner opened the program, followed by the Middle and High School Band performing The Star-Spangled Banner. Preschool students led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Eiza Ciciliano offered introductory remarks.
Throughout the program, students across grade levels participated in tributes of gratitude and respect, including “Thank You, Veterans” by Sutten Jensen and Cole Wenzel, and “Your Service to Our Country” by elementary students in grades K–6.
Musical selections included U.S. Service Songs performed by the MS/HS Band, the eighth-grade drummers’ rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Unsung Hero presented by the High School Choir.
A highlight of the ceremony was the flag retirement ceremony conducted by members of American Legion Willman Fee Post 14.
Guest speaker Doug Mitchell delivered the keynote address after being introduced by Mitchell Orth, while Micah Orth and JR Hine led the heartfelt segment titled “A Tribute to Our Veterans.”