It was a morning of musical tribute at LES (Lakeland Elementary School) today (11.8.18) as students “Forever Remembered” at the 9th annual Veterans Day Program.
The school gym bleachers were overflowing with parents, grandparents, veterans and activity duty military personnal for two programs at the school today: One for grades 2-4 at 9:30 a.m.; the second at 11:30 for grades PK-1.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EtQAxmRZbabi7ic79
Performing today were the Lakeland Glee Club under the direction of Dianne Davis; LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) Band with Anneliese Land, director; and LMPS String Ensemble, directed by Paula Turner.
Talmadge Kirkland, Boy Scouts troop leader, led the opening flag ceremony at both LES programs. Fourth grade class leaders Kassidy Kerchoff and Aubrey Bourland presented the Pledge of Allegiance.
City and School Board officials were present for the program including Mayor Wyatt Bunker; Vice Mayor Josh Roman; Commissioner Wesley Wright; and Richard Gonzales, Jr., recently elected as a Lakeland commissioner. Mr. Gonzales retired from the Army Reserve in 2005 with 28 years of service, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served eight years of active duty including time in Germany.
Representing the Lakeland School Board (LSB) were Chair Kevin Floyd and members Kelley Hale, Teresa Henry and Geoff Hicks. Deborah Thomas, just elected to the LSB, also attended.
Lakeland residents with the United States Navy in Millington MU1 (Musician First Class) Alex Ivy and Andrea Sematoske played their instruments with the LMPS band. Eighth-grade band student Hannah Ivy (daughter of MU1 Ivy) played Taps during the program.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jason Kaplan was the guest speaker at the 9:30 a.m. program. He has a third grader at LES. He thanked the students for honoring veterans and said, “God bless them, you and the United States of America.”
Joel K. Freund, with the FBI Memphis, spoke at the later program. He has twins in the 2nd grade at LES.
Kristen Nichols, program chair and second grade teacher, said students were asked to draw or write about their favorite heroes. Three 3rd grade students were selected by their teachers to read their essays to the audience: Baker Coletta; Launa White with her parents; and Isabella Rindosova with her father.
Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System superintendent, and Joretha Lockhart, LES principal, are in Washington D.C. accepting an award from the National Blue Ribbon Schools for LES.
Coordinating the programs today with Mrs. Nichols were Sharonda Rose and Shell White, both LES assistant principals.
Following the first program, students, teachers and their families paraded from LES through Oakwood neighborhood with flags and banners.
Tomorrow LMPS will have a Veterans Day Program at 9:30 a.m., according to Leann Albert, program chair and 6th and 7th grade science teacher.
Lakeland high school students attend Arlington High School through an interlocal between the two cities until a Lakeland high school is built.
… Photos and video by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
