STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District honors veterans, active military and their guests at both the Ste. Genevieve and Bloomsdale campuses in recognition of Veterans Day.
All local veterans were welcome at the schools’ assemblies, and students personally invited veterans as their guests, as well. At both elementary schools, each grade level had the opportunity to participate in their Veterans Day assemblies.
At Bloomsdale Elementary’s assembly, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by kindergarten students.
Fifth graders Annalynn Hanna, Noah Johnson, and Aunna Webb were the student hosts of the ceremony.
Second graders performed the song “We Remember” by John Jacobson, third grade students performed a poem entitled “Thank You, Veterans,” and fourth grade students performed “American Tears” by Theresa Jennings.
The traditional White Table Ceremony was led by fifth grade students. Each veteran was introduced, and the students presented them with a rose. The entire student body sang “God Bless America,” and SGHS senior Emily Merrifield performed “Taps.”
First grade students recited the “Poppy Pledge,” and then handed Buddy Poppies to veterans. Following the assembly, drinks and cookies were provided for veterans and students in the gym.
At Ste. Genevieve Elementary’s assembly, fifth grader Rain Hampton sang the National Anthem. Fifth graders Orion Strickfaden and Phoenix Flieg were the student hosts of the ceremony. Fifth grade students hosted the event and led the traditional White Table Ceremony. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the winners of the SGE Veterans Day art contest.
Kindergarten students performed the Poppy Pledge, first grade students performed the poem “Thank You, Veterans,” and fourth grade students led the recognition of veterans and military members. To wrap up the assembly, grades second through fifth sang a special collaboration of the song, “Thank You, Soldiers.” SGHS junior Kyler Gugel performed “Taps.”
Ste. Genevieve High School hosted a luncheon for veterans prepared with contributions from the local business sponsors mentioned below. Following the luncheon, the Veterans Day Parade began at the American Legion and wound through downtown past Valle, Ste. Genevieve Middle School, Ste. Genevieve Elementary and back behind Ste. Genevieve High School. National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) placed small American flags along the route to honor members of the military, both current and retired, who protect our freedoms. Students and staff at the schools waved banners and flags during the parade to thank our veterans for their service.
The Veterans Day Tribute held in the Peggy J. Johnson Gymnasium included:
- Opening remarks by student hosts Abigail Woodard (National Honor Society President), Emmelyn Clayton (National Junior Honor Society Member), and Briana Pfaff (SGHS Senior Class President);
- A presentation of the colors by VFW Post 2210 Color Guard;
- A performance of the National Anthem by the Ste. Genevieve High School Chorale;
- The pledge of allegiance by SGHS senior Kynnadie Weibrecht, is an official member of the U.S. National Guard; will be completing basic training this summer in Fort Leonardwood; and will head to advanced individual training to become a military police officer.
- A recognition of: all veterans in attendance, local distinguished veterans who have recently passed away, SGHS alumni in Active Duty, and students planning to enlist— Charles Mees and Kynnadie Weibrecht;
- A performance of “God Bless America” by the SGMS Middle School Band;
- a keynote by guest speaker Rae Lynn Munoz, retired veteran and Executive Director of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville, who was introduced by senior Briana Pfaff;
- Student commentary by Madilyn Shuffler, an SGHS junior and this year’s winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy contest;
- Graphics and videos created by the SGHS Media Production class;
- A performance of “A Tribute to the Armed Services” by the Ste. Genevieve High School Chorale;
- A performance of “Taps” by senior Emily Merrifield and a three-gun volley in memory of veterans who have died; and
- Final remarks by Mrs. Colleen Braun, National Guard veteran and Ste. Genevieve Middle School Special Education paraprofessional.
“I’ve been a lot of places, I’ve seen a lot of communities, some good, some bad, but the way that Ste. Gen treats their veterans is beyond measure,” said Rae Lynn Munoz, retired veteran and Executive Director of Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville. “And that is because of how they treat the students sitting in these stands here today. Whether you realize it at this moment, you are our leaders and our veterans of tomorrow. And it is our job—as your teachers, as your cafeteria workers, your bus drivers—to foster each and every one of you so that if one day you feel called to serve, you do it and you do it because of those who came before you.”
SGHS would like to thank the following sponsors and vendors: Eleven Eleven Catering, CE Contracting, Shuh and Sons Plbg and Htg, LLC, Jodi Flieg, Edward Jones- Matt Trautman, Sons of American Legion, Ability Network Inc., SGHS Basketball, Country Mart, Buy the Bunch, Ste. Genevieve Vision Care, and the Anvil Saloon.
We would also like to thank the following: the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2210 Color Guard; Mrs. Lois Flieg and Mrs. Betty Arnold from the VFW Post 2210 Auxiliary; Board of Education President David Bova; High School Principal Dr. John Boyd, Jr.; all of our alumni who are serving active duty; our high school seniors who are enlisted or plan to enlist; all of the veterans and their spouses for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the ceremony; the choirs and the bands for their contributions; the students and staff for their attention and participation in the program; the SGHS Media Productions Class, SGHS School Development Seminar, Valle Catholic Student Council for serving at the luncheon, Ste. Genevieve Middle School NJHS, and the National Honor Society of Ste. Genevieve High School for planning and executing the 2025 Veterans Day Tribute, the Parade of Veterans, and the Veteran Luncheon.
Bloomsdale Elementary School:
Ste. Genevieve Elementary School
Ste. Genevieve High School
