Third and fourth grade classes at Clinton Primary School, led by Alvis Conway’s Gifted-Talented program classes, presented a Salute to Veterans on campus Tuesday which opened with the presentation of the colors by Hope High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps honor guard cadets Michael McGee, Gabriel Bautista-Perez, Gianna Knight, and Britney Alvarado. Mrs. Laura Gray led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem, followed by an essay reading, “What is a Veteran?” by Julia Bobo. Students Aarie Cox, Christina Salazar, Zachery Smith, Elliott Vazquez, Aiyannah Lloyd, Brooklyn Woods, Jamaize Moore, Rey Mendoza, Donovan Reeves, Autumn Flenory, and Brensi Frayre read a collaborative poem. After a vocal rendition of “You Are Our Heroes” by Mrs. Gray, American Legion Post 427 Commander Herbert W. Ross reminded the students and guests of the importance of service to their nation, and Hope Kiwanis Club President Bob Willis invited everyone to the Nov. 11 countywide Veterans Day observance at Hempstead Hall. After a roll call of veterans, students then greeted local veterans in a parade along the third and fourth grade halls, and the veterans were treated to coffee and donuts in the cafeteria. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools
