VWHS hosts Veterans Day celebration

VW independent staff/submitted information

Van Wert High School welcomed local veterans, their families, and community members to its annual Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday,  at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Coffee and snacks were served in the lobby before the program, which included student-created videos and performances by the high school choirs. The choirs sang the National Anthem and an America medley featuring “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful.”

Guest speaker Colleen Wiley, a 1987 Van Wert High School graduate, spoke about her years at the former high school on Crawford Street and the teachers, friends, and community that helped shape her. She and VWHS secretary Shelley Smith joined the military together in November 1989, attended boot camp together, and both served in the Army Reserves.

Wiley said she did not fully understand the sacrifices behind her freedoms as a student. She encouraged students to help others, show respect, and be responsible citizens.

“You don’t have to wear a uniform to honor veterans,” she said.

Principal Chuck Rollins thanked Wiley, Mrs. Switzer for organizing the assembly, the student speakers, Ms. Bloomfield and the choirs for their performances, and Mrs. Baer and the media arts classes for producing the videos. He asked students to appreciate their freedoms and find ways to serve others throughout the year.

“To all of our veterans, on behalf of the entire Van Wert High School family, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy,” Rollins said.