Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
Zach Delira, a kindergartner, held a sign his class made for one of the veterans, Tony Reyna, who attended the ceremony.
The Wasco State Prison Color Guard and the student council with their advisors, Drew Raney, Pilar Samaniego and Maggie Resendez. (Photo courtesy of Principal Jan Hummel)
Tony Stout, Rafael Macias, James Medrano, Tyler Perkins and Tony Reyna were among the veterans honored at the ceremony.
Juliet Hulsey and Kl'Sye Lopez, both in transitional kindergarten, modeled the patriotic hats they made for the special occasion.
Student Council members Treasurer Ariana Cruz, Historian Emily Ojeda and Vice President Jesse Orona.
Wasco Police Department chaplain and veteran Mike Lynch came dressed in full military attire.
Student Council Advisor Drew Raney and advisors Pilar Samaniego and Maggie Resendez worked closely with council students who organized the event.
The Wasco State Prison Color Guard presented the colors.
Wasco Police Department Patrol Officer and veteran Armando Salcedo stood with Principal Jan Hummel after the Veterans Day program.
The Teresa Burke Elementary School Student Council hosted its 10th annual Veterans Day program, honoring all who have served our great nation. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps members attended, creating a memorable morning for the school's 503 students as they gathered to show their gratitude and respect.
Drew Raney, one of the Student Council advisors, was the master of ceremonies, with his father, Michael Raney, a trumpeter with 34 years of experience in the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, performing renditions of patriotic songs. The council recited poetry, the Wasco State Prison Color Guard presented the colors, and Polly Kelly Hughes, a long-time school employee, sang the national anthem.
"The Veterans Day program is our favorite school event," Principal Jan Hummel explained after the ceremony. "Teachers and students prepare by writing letters, making cards and pictures to present to the veterans. They also make posters, flags and hats to celebrate the day. The office, support and custodial staff work tirelessly to make this event a success. The students' favorite part of the program is seeing the veterans in their uniforms."
Hummel believes it's essential for students to understand the meaning of Veterans Day and to honor those who have served. "Many of our students have family members who are veterans, but without programs like these, they might never understand how special it is to be a veteran and the sacrifices veterans have made to keep our country free," she said. To prepare students for the event, teachers read stories, shared videos about the different service branches and explained that some veterans gave their lives for them.
She added that the goal was for students to recognize the great contributions veterans have made for the country and to hold them in the highest regard.
One of the participating veterans, U.S. Army veteran Tony Reyna, who served for 28 years, expressed pride in being honored. His sister, Emily Mancilla, is an aide at the school. "Seeing the students recognize me and other veterans makes me proud to have served," he said. "It's essential for the younger generation to understand the cost of freedom and the sacrifices military veterans make to preserve the freedoms everyone in this country enjoys."
Wasco Union Elementary School District Assistant Superintendent Danny Arellano emphasized the impact of the ceremony, adding, "It's teaching the kids to appreciate the freedoms that we all take for granted, and that, to me, falls in line with teaching our kids about civics and priorities."
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