Dexter, Missouri - Each year T.S. Hill 8th grade students are asked to write an essay in their Social Studies class. Mrs. Jessica DeMent is the director of this annual project.
Irene Huang was chosen from all of the 8th grade Social Studies students at T.S. Hill Middle School and with that honor was selected to read her essay at the annual Veterans Day Observance Program held at the Bearcat Event Center. This year the event was held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.
Below is her essay! Congratulations Irene! The Veterans and the Dexter community are proud and honored to have heard your essay on Wednesday.
"During the Revolutionary War, there were people who risked their lives for our freedom. In the Civil War, freedom and lives, once again, were risked for equality. Those who served in the military for our country are called veterans. In this room with us today are veterans. They, along with a great number of others, have fought for us. They chose to live a life filled with risk and uncertainty, hoping to give their country safety, freedom, and the benefits we, as Americans, have today. Many of our freedoms are not available to people in other countries. In President Abraham Lincoln’s last inaugural address, he made a promise to help veterans. He swore to support our military families. I believe it is important to stop today and examine what I can do, as an American, to continue to fulfill the promise Lincoln made to this group of heroes. There are many simple tasks all of us can take upon ourselves to help implement our 16th president’s pledge such as sending care packages and letters, reassuring families of those deployed in times of need, or perhaps visiting a veterans’ hospital nearby.
I can help uphold Lincoln’s promise by, almost effortlessly, dispatching a letter or care package. You may ask, “What would a letter to a veteran contain?” I could easily write down how thankful I am for their service. In care packages, I can put a few small things, such as sweets, batteries, and books. This small action, taking only a little time out of my day, would show those serving our country that they are strongly appreciated. While I can’t physically complete the job required of our veterans, I can help them by encouraging them as they serve our country.
We as a community could also console the families of those enlisted. All of us could bring small gifts such as candies to assist with comforting them. Even though they are not serving overseas, families would also know that they are appreciated for going through hardships for us. A wife of a deployed soldier received an anonymous gift under her windshield wipers when he was deployed. There was an envelope containing two twenty-dollar bills and a note that thanked her and her husband for serving. The note read, “Him serving, and you waiting.” The note also told her to use the money for dinner for the two. Anybody could do uncomplicated tasks to thank veterans. If you have Internet access, you could go to the United Service Organizations’ website, known more commonly as the USO, to send a short message to a military family. Together as we prioritize putting our thoughts into action, we can fulfill Lincoln’s promise to veterans and their families.
Lastly, numbers of us could go to a veteran’s hospital in a town nearby. I belong to an organization called Junior Beta Club. As a club, we prioritize service projects, and our group could sponsor a project to encourage veterans who are receiving long-term care. There are a vast amount of things we could do for them, such as bringing treats, letters, gifts, or just ourselves. We could simply sing a song or read to them. The simple investment of time could make a difference in the day of someone who made a difference for our country. These are some other ways I could show recognition and gratefulness for their risks, sacrifices, and hardships.
Think about how veterans sacrificed their freedom, safety, and rights for us: our FREEDOM, our SAFETY, and our RIGHTS. In conclusion, I challenge everyone to take action. We must show veterans our appreciation. Together, we can honor them. Even the respect we exhibit today during this ceremony, sitting quietly and paying attention, is an action we can all do to honor the men and women who have kept our nation strong. Going forward, we must continue to look for ways to thank these brave, amazing men and women. Help soothe a military family. Send care packages and letters. Just try. Help me keep Lincoln’s promise to care for our veterans and their families. Thank you."
Pictured are Jessica DeMent (left) and Irene Huang (right).
The Dexter high school Jazz Cats "band" is under the direction of Scott Rybolt.
Zarah Olson earned Lead Alto, Alyssa Teets earned 2nd Alto, Erin Lauters earned 2nd Tenor, Dylan Long earned Baritone Saxophone, Dasom Milam earned 3rd Trombone, Brandon Parks earned Bass Trombone, Gina Magarian earned Lead Trumpet, Layla Brown earned 2nd Trumpet, Emily Johns earned 3rd Trumpet, Jonni Hill earned Alternate Piano, Sea Rybolt earned Bass Guitar and Vibes, Addison Moore earned Drums 1 and Matt Chesser earned Drums 2.
Shown in the photo front row from left to right: Zarah Olson, Alyssa Teets, Erin Lauters, Dylan Long, and Dasom Milam.
Middle row from left to right are: Brandon Parks, Gina Magarian, Layla Brown, Emily Johns, and Jonni Hill.
Back row standing from left to right: Sean Rybolt, Addison Moore, and Matt Chesser.
This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3 R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.
Will was nominated by his first grade teacher Miss Hutchcraft. She also received a certificate, a golden loop and a free taco from Taco Bell.
Miss Hutchcraft says, "Will is always showing 3Rs".
Will is the son of Shawn and Nicole Guethle.
Congratulations Will!
This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3 R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.
Brayden was nominated by his first grade teacher Miss Hutchcraft. She also received a certificate, a golden loop and a free taco from Taco Bell.
Miss Hutchcraft says, "Brayden is always showing 3Rs".
Brayden is the son of Brandon and Christy Vaughn.
Congratulations Brayden!
The Dexter high school band is under the direction of Scott Rybolt.
Cady Puliam earned 8th Chair Flute, Kerigan Brady earned 11th Chair Flute, Erin Lauters earned 3rd Chair Clarinet, Courtney Scholl earned 11th Chair Clarinet, Victoria Merrit earned 15th Chair Clarinet, Johnna Hinklin earned 2nd Chair Alto Clarinet, Emily Johns earned 6th Chair French Horn, Sean Rybolt earned 2nd Mallet Percussion, Abby Mangum earned 2nd Chair Oboe, and Gina Magarian earned 2nd Chair Trumpet.
Shown in the photo front row from left to right: Cady Puliam, Kerigan Brady, Erin Lauters, and Courtney Scholl. Back row from left to right: Victoria Merrit, Johnna Hinklin, Emily Johns, and Sean Rybolt. Not pictures are Abby Mangum and Gina Magarian.
