Today I had the privilege of speaking at Mears Junior High during their annual Veterans Day assembly and I came away encouraged that civility is well, and in the hands of our youth. I was met at the front office by an eighth-grade student who walked me to the assembly area, where I was greeted by another student who handed me a program.
Mr. Campbell’s advanced band played, the Dimond High Color Guard presented the flags, Isis Walker led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and I was introduced by student Michael Bretzke. Concerned the student body would not be keenly interested in what Veterans Day represented to me as a dentist and a lieutenant colonel in the Alaska Air National Guard, I prepared a PowerPoint with lots of pictures of airplanes, foreign places and badly decayed teeth to keep their attention.
All 800-plus students sat cross-legged on the floor through my presentation, and the entire assembly responded appropriately by clapping after the speakers and presenters and immediately quieted when signaled. I am convinced that I could have delivered a terrible speech, with no pictures, and they would have been just as courteous.
We were then dazzled with a slide show made by Mrs. Arend’s video production class featuring the family members of Mears students who had served or currently serve in the military, followed by a heartwarming video of students thanking veterans. The interlude featured Mrs. McCubrey’s Combined Choir, accompanied by Janna Peterson.
The assembly closed with all veterans being asked to come forward and introduce themselves and indicate the branch of service they served in. They were then presented with a yellow rose and a Panther Pride pin before the students enthusiastically came forward to be photographed with their honored military veterans. I was pleased when my niece, Gwyneth Geiger, gave a thumbs-up when I asked how my presentation went prior to getting our photograph. I want to thank Mr. Ross for inviting me, Principal Perkins and the Mears teachers and staff for demonstrating civility, manners and grace. Most of all, I want to compliment and thank the Mears students for their exceptional courtesy and conduct.
— Lt. Col. Julie M. Robinson
176 MDG, Alaska Air National Guard
Anchorage
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