Students and staff at Morrison Elementary held a reverse parade Thursday on Veterans Day to honor any veterans who are affiliated with the school.
During these times of difficulty due to COVID, staff members felt it was more necessary than ever to think outside of the box and find a way to thank veterans without their usual assembly program inside the building.
The event was organized by principal Kim Cantrell, fifth-grade teacher Denise Fuqua, SRO Jason Richardson in coordination with the school’s Kindness Club members sponsored by third-grade teacher Christy Farless and fourth-grade teacher April Murphy.
Emceed by MES staff member Jennifer Swims, the day started with the entire school lined up outside in the front parking lot. Students were encouraged to wear red, white and blue as well as given little American flags to wave in the air.
Color Guard members Mell Hall, William
Russell, Nick Emerick and Tom Cantrell from the United States Marine Corp led the parade in the front of the school and presented the flags. Members of the Eagle Choir led the school in the
Pledge of Allegiance and performed an “American Medley” of songs to the crowd.
Following the performance, Richardson led a parade of veterans in their vehicles in front of the school. Each car stopped in front of the flag pole where they were announced by Swims. Their student could walk up to get a picture taken with them and the Kindness Club presented them with a gift bag of gratitude.
The following names are the veterans who participated in the reverse parade, as well as their family member who attends MES and their branch of service:
Tom Cantrell, USMC, great grandfather to Owen Tees and Emma Cantrell.
Jason Richardson, US Army 3rd Armored Cavalry regiment, father to Jillian and Jaren Richardson.
Chief Deputy James “Bo” Ramsey, US Marines 3rd Batallion 3rd Marines.
John McCormick, US Army, father to Zachery McCormick.
Jim Tollison, US Army, grandfather to McCoy Holland and Ethan Williams.
Kyle McCool, US Air Force, family member to Aubree Davis
Pete Kovach, USMC, father to Krymsen Kovach.
Adam Aycock, US Navy, father to Ella Aycock.
Jimmy Huff, US Army/National Guard, grandfather to Marilie, Harper and Piper Huff.
Rodney Wright, US Army, grandfather to Gram Adams.
Nicholas Silvus, US Navy, father to Aubrey Silvus.
Wade Farley, US Air Force, grandfather to Owen Adcock.
Shannon Maze, US Army, grandfather to Liara Meyer.
James Redmon, US Army, grandfather to Rachel and Samantha Boyd.
Hazel King, US Navy, grandfather to Hazel King.
Joe Fullenburg, US Army, father to Kai Perhealth.
Marion Turner, US Army, grandfather to Samuel Smith.
Kaylin Barrett, US Marines, sister to Samuel Smith.
