Alta Vista honors veterans
36-year tradition at school
In the latest chapter of their long standing patriotic tradition, the entire student body of Alta Vista Elementary School gathered around the flagpole at the front of their school Thursday morning to remember and celebrate those who have served their country in their 2017 Veterans Day ceremony. In addition to students and staff, the annual event was attended by parents and community members, as well as the American Legion Post 20 Honor Guard.
Cliff Cantrell, Alta Vista principal, views the ceremony as a opportunity for students to learn about service and sacrifice — ideals that are cherished as much by him as they are within the community.
“I think it’s important that students learn about what freedom is and the people who give of themselves to ensure that freedom,” said Cantrell. “As someone who has a son in the Navy, I not only know what the men and women in the service go through, but also the sacrifices families make when their loved ones are serving their country.”
Cantrell began the ceremony by acknowledging current Alta Vista staff and alumni who have served in the military, including 1941 graduate and three-time Porterville Mayor Ted Enslin. He also thanked the members of American Legion Post 20 of Porterville, who have participated in every Veterans Day ceremony at the school.
After third-graders led the student body in an enthusiastic performance of “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” eighth grade students took turns at the podium reciting facts about the history and symbolism of the American flag, as well as passages from the Constitution and Bill of Rights and quotes from Presidents and American leaders.
“The United States flag represents who we are. It stands for the freedom we all share and the pride and patriotism we feel for our country. We cherish its legacy as a beacon of hope to one and all. Long may it wave,” quoted one eighth-grader.
Members of American Legion Post 20 Honor Guard commenced the flag folding ceremony, followed by the pledge of allegiance and a three volley salute that thrilled the gathered students. The ceremony was concluded with a performance of the national anthem by the Alta Vista intermediated junior symphony.
It was the 36th consecutive ceremony paying tribute to veterans at the school, and the first for new Superintendent Rob Hudson, who was very impressed with the reverence of the ceremony and the respect demonstrated by his students.
“I loved it. I was a bit teary-eyed watching the kids being as involved as they were and participating,” said Hudson. “I was watching the veterans in attendance and I think they were just as moved as the kids were. It was very poignant.”
According to Hudson, Alta Vista is one of only a few elementary schools in the area to have such a ceremony, especially with a tradition that dates back almost four decades.