MLHS Social Studies, Music Departments; students host salute to veterans
The Mountain Lake Public High School (MLHS) Social Studies Department of teachers Shawn Naas, Scott Boelke and Jessica Svehla, along with the Music Department of Choir Director Andrea Brinkman and Band Director Kurt Jahnke and MLHS students, were the host group for a Veteran’s Day Program held Wednesday morning, November 11, in the school’s auditorium/gymnasium.
The keynote speaker was Mountain Lake Mayor Mike Nelson. Introducing Nelson was MLHS junior Thomas Kraemer. Nelson, who also served with the Minnesota National Guard from 1988 to 1993, told those gathered the pride he felt in the fact that he can stand as a veteran alongside the other veterans gathered for Veteran’s Day 2015, including his father, Norman Nelson. He also stressed to the students at the program that each one of them has the power within himself or herself to change the path they are on if they want to. “First is to ‘decide.’ Decide you want to make a change,” challenges Nelson. “Start today to make a new you. I did, beginning on June 1, 1978. And then, you need to ‘do it;’ you have to take action, get out of your comfort zone. If you need help, get it. If you need to practice, then practice. Do it tomorrow, then the next day and the next.” He shared that each individual has the ability to stretch himself or herself in ways “you might think are not possible. We all have God-given talents.” And that, through hard work and perseverance, they can accomplish anything.
Mountain Lake American Legion Post #389 led in the posting of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and participate in the retiring the colors.
MLHS Principal Pamela Anderson provided the welcome and introductory remarks, as well as the introduction of the local veterans attending the program.
Two MLHS juniors shared special readings. Sam Grev read “How Veteran’s Day Was Named,” while Liana Blomgren presented the the Harry I. Thompkins poem, “No, Freedom Is Not Free.”
The Senior High Band under the direction of Director of Bands Kurt Jahnke, performed “American Anthem,” by Gene Scheer; “Manassas Junction,” by Gary Fagan and “God Bless America,” by Irving Berlin.
The Senior High Choir, led by Director of Choirs Andrea Brinkman, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” by Francis Scott Key and “Stand Tall, America,” by Jay Althouse.
“Taps” was presented on trumpet by senior Carmen Syverson, followed by a Moment of Silence and Reflection on the veterans’ service, sacrifice and loyalty to this country.
