Students pay tribute with drama, decorum

Lorain High students paid tribute to veterans with a ceremony that combined drama and decorum.

Lorain High School students paid tribute to the nation’s veterans with a ceremony that combined drama and decorum.

On Nov. 7, the students and local veterans gathered for “Honoring All Who Served,” for a ceremony in the Lorain High Performing Arts Center.

It was an honor and privilege for the Lorain students to be in the presence of the community’s veterans, said Lorain High Executive Director Daniel Garvey.

“We must always remember that we, and many others around the world, are indebted to our armed services for the freedom and liberty we enjoy,” he said.

He thanked the attending veterans and called for a round of applause for them.

“I also want to thank you for the example you set for our young people here at Lorain High School,” Garvey said. “I can think of no better group to exemplify what it truly means to live out the core values we hope to instill in our young people.

“Your example of humility, service, sacrifice and excellence is admirable and worthy of admiration.”

The school takes pride in the JROTC program, Garvey said.

The tribute included presentations from the Army JROTC cadets, along with Theatre Department students who took the stage with poetry and photographs honoring those who served.

The Lorain High School Wind Ensemble opened with “Peace Makers,” a concert march.

JROTC Cadet Cpl. Karelis Angulo led the posting of colors on stage and Cadet Maj. Sam Dandrea led the Pledge of Allegiance. Cadet Sgt. 1st Class Veronica Ribaric sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Students Lewis White, Dy’Andre Mercado, James Davila Jr., Kieshawn Elliott and Fey Olatoye earned a hug of thanks from Theatre Department adviser Wendy Hall.

Hall is the sister of Lorain native Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, who was killed in action while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan.

The students also will appear in “A Piece of My Heart,” a stage play scheduled Nov. 16 and 17 in honor of veterans.

Dandrea and Cadet Command Sgt. Major Matt Gannon, Cadet Cpl. David Laboy, Cadet Pvt. Xavier Santiago and Cadet Pvt. Meralis Gotay-Cotto presented their swords as a tribute to five empty chairs representing prisoners of war and those missing in action while serving in the armed forces.

Cadet Capt. Cheyenne Sowards explained the symbolism

of the white tablecloth, the single candle adorned with a yellow ribbon.

“Remember: All of you who have served with them, and called them brothers and sisters, who depended upon their might and aid and relied upon them, remember them, for surely they have not forgotten you,” Sowards said.

Student Kyle Czatt played “Taps” to conclude the ceremony.

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain High School JROTC cadets pay tribute to service members missing in action as part of the school’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 7 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain High School JROTC cadets pay tribute to service members as part of the school’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 7 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.