Honoring those who served-2023 Veterans Day Program
Honoring all who have served in the Military, the annual Veteran’s Day Program was held on Friday, November 10 at 9:00 AM at Butler County High School. The BCHS gym was full of students, community members, and veterans and their families. Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck welcomed those in attendance and outlined the events of the day.
The BCHS NJROTC, under the leadership of Master Chief Bill Vermillion and Commander Harry Phelps, presented the colors, BCHS Beta Officer Jay Peralta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The audience then remained standing as the BCHS Choir performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "My Old Kentucky Home."
Next Aberdeen Baptist Church Pastor, Brian Jones gave the invocation.
After this, Mrs. Jennifer Odle, of the VFW Auxiliary announced its winners for Writing and Art for Heroes contests, as well as Buddy Poppy winners. They are listed below.
Commander Andrew Gidcumb of the local VFW Post 5837 recognized the group’s Veteran of the Year, Bryan Pharris. Butler County D.A.R. regent Deborah Worley recognized Bobby Escue, her group’s Veteran of the Year and Green River Chapter D.A.R. regent Melanie Hunt recognized her group’s veteran, Mike Hudnall. All three presenters heralded the extreme bravery and patriotism of each of their group’s chosen veteran.
Keynote speaker Master Chief Bill Vermillion then gave an inspiring speech including thanks to the veterans present who served.
Quilts were presented to veterans by Jennifer Odle and Darlene Scott and other members of the Butler County Peacemakers. Those receiving quilts are listed below.
The BCHS Band, under the direction of Mr. Justus Adams, played “Salute to America’s Finest, a medley arrangement of the songs for each branch of military service. Veterans stood, and were applauded, when the song representing their branch was played.
After this, Veteran and BCHS Teacher, John Burden read the names of veterans in attendance. Then Anthony Vanfleet played "Taps" as a moment of silence was held for those who were lost in combat.
Supt. Tuck concluded the event which was followed by a reception for the Veterans and their guests, hosted by the BCHS FCCLA and sponsor Ruthie Baker.
Coordinator of the event, MES teacher Jan Embry, heralded the event. “The best part of this program is how our community comes together to celebrate the men and women who sacrificed so much for us. Every day should be Veterans Day!”
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BCHS 2023 Art for Heroes Winners
Senior Class
1st Place-Ashlee Neighbors
2nd Place -Ages Otey
3rd Place-Bryleigh Jones
Junior Class
1st Place-Aubrey Logsdon
2nd Place-Lidia Rafael
3rd Place-Brandon Farler
Sophomore Class
1st Place-Ellie McIntosh
2nd Place-Enzo Sublett
3rd Place-Makenzi Turner
Honorable Mention-Harlie Chapman
BCHS 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners
Senior Class
1st Place-Brooklyn Kimble
2nd Place-Bryleigh Jones
3rd Place-Landon Conyer
Junior Class
2nd Place-Brayden Clark
3rd Place-Brayden Phelps
Honorable Mention-Casey Southerland
Sophomore Class
1st Place-Harlie Chapman
1st Place-Taylor Smith
BCMS 2023 Art for Heroes Winners
8th Grade
1st Place-Charli Webster
2nd Place-Layla Adams
3rd Place-Shelby McDaniel
7th Grade
1st Place-Madison Cardwell
2nd Place-Tarah Henderson
3rd Place-Sage Wallace
6th Grade
1st Place-Harper Hack
2nd Place-Eliza Lynch
3rd Place-Ari Rife
BCMS 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners
8th Grade
1st Place-Mark Gruber
2nd Place-Jay Peralta
3rd Place-Feliz Fransisco
6th Grade
1st Place-Eliza Lynch
2nd Place-Harker Hack
3rd Place-Maryann Klett
Honorable Mention-Brantlee Bratcher
MES 2023 Art for Heroes Winners
5th Grade
1st Place-Yetzali Garcia Cruz
2nd Place-Phin Taylor
3rd Place-Teagin Pedigo
4th Grade
1st Place-Chaney Hunt
2nd Place-Matthew Brown
3rd Place-Jackson Wooldridge
3rd Grade
1st Place-Porter Hack
2nd Place-Sophia Orange
3rd Place-Hunter Forbes
Honorable Mention-Houston Hampton
2nd Grade
1st Place-Leona Lindsey
2nd Place-Damien Johnson
3rd Place-Harrison Hawkins
1st Grade
1st Place-Amiyan Perry
2nd Place-Piper Woodall
3rd Place-Lillian Kessler
MES 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners
4th Grade
1st Place-Chaney Hunt
2nd Place-Carley Davis
3rd Place-Lilly Belcher
Honorable Mention-Marley Phelps, Matthew Brown
2nd Grade
1st Place-Harrison Hawkins
2nd Place-Annalee Oaks
3rd Place-Addison Payton
MES Buddy Poppy Writing
5th Grade
1st Place-Cheyanne Givens
2nd Place-Drew Stokes
3rd Place-Jameson Millage
Honorable Mentions-Teagin Pedigo, Gracyn Amos, Phin Taylor
North Butler 2023 Art for Heroes Winners
5th Grade
1st Place-Ava Miller
2nd Place-Harmony Dixon
3rd Place-Ava Elmore
Kindergarten
1st Place-Lukas Price
2nd Place-Waylon Brooks
3rd Place-Khaleesi Johnson
North Butler Writing
Kindergarten
1st Place-Khaleesi Johnson
2nd Place-Kenten Reece
3rd Place-Heidi Johnson
Honorable Mention-Casyn Johnson
North Butler Buddy Poppy Writing
5th Grade
1st Place-Remington Beasley
2nd Place-Ava Miller
3rd Place-Graceyn Evans
photo by Adam Williams
Recipients of the Quilts of Valor from the Butler County Peacemakers were:
Jeremy Howard
Steve Layne
Carl King
Damon Tabor
Denny Chambers
Andrew Dandelin
Mike Hudnall
Bobby Tuck
Bill Vermillion
Jessie Burden
Little Jim Hunt
Stevie Joe Pharris
Bryan Pharris
Darrell Williams
John Washer