District, Express Gratitude to Hometown Heroes

In its ninth incarnation, Pride and Patriotism once again saw District scholars – artists, writers and musical performers -- express their gratitude to those who served, and are serving, in the nation’s armed forces.

Celebrated each year in conjunction with Veterans Day, the evening’s Pride and Patriotism event paid tribute to servicemen and women with a theme of Legacy and Honor, which served as the inspirational point for the annual essay contest.

After the South Color Guard Team presented the colors to start the event, the gallery was welcomed by D60 Superintendent Dr. Barbara Kimzey.

“Our students in District 60 can look to veterans as role models, as our veterans exemplify service before self in support of the ideals we profess as citizens of the United States of America.

“Since the beginning of the school year, our students have been working on showing their appreciation to our veterans in Pueblo. In addition to acknowledging our veterans’ sacrifices in their service to our country, students participated in a tribute contest that reflects our theme this year: Legacy and Honor.

“This contest allowed our students to celebrate our veterans’ military service through creative expression in art, music and in fact, through this entire program this evening.”

The contest winners – each called to the stage to be honored by the evening’s dignitaries -- received, for the first time, cash prizes provided by co-sponsor Pueblo Home of Heroes Association:

ELEMENTARY

Henlee Harshman, fourth grade, Minnequa. Teacher: Leslie Ortega

Dani Balch, fifth grade, Goodnight School. Teacher: Tracy Vinci

Claire Meadows, fifth grade, Columbian. Teacher: Shawn Lopez-Rogina

MIDDLE

Rachel Meyers, eighth grade, D60 Online. Teacher: Chris Kelly

Violetsky Briggs, eighth grade, Heaton. Teacher: Savanna Silas

Aiden Morris-Bruce, eighth grade, D60 Online. Teacher: Chris Kelly

HIGH

Angelina Vigil, junior, Centennial. Teacher: Lane Aldinger, retired major

Harper Gallagher, sophomore, Central, Teacher: Brian Domina, Army veteran

Brayden Hawkins, freshman, Central. Teacher: Brian Domina

As vocal and instrumental music annually plays a significant role in Pride and Patriotism, patrons were entertained by an elementary school choir comprised of vocalists from Beulah Heights, Highland Park, South Park, and Sunset Park, who performed “Veterans’ March” and “Home of Heroes.”

From South, the Cecilian Chorale – who opened the evening with the national anthem -- offered “Stars and Stripes” while the Colt band presented an instrumental take on “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Also from South, Gabrielle Powell accompanied herself on piano to an arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The evening’s keynote speaker, Mr. Rick Zink, retired from the Air Force with a rank of colonel after 31 years of continuous service.

As a civilian, Mr. Zink served as a defense contractor before transitioning to a public school teaching career.

His life has been marked by community service: in youth sports, with the Boy Scouts and with the Angels of America’s Fallen, a charity providing long-term support for children who lost a parent serving in the armed forces or as a first responder.

Mr. Zink said the greatest way to honor the service of veterans is “by living a life that makes their risks and service worthwhile. Be a responsible and law-abiding citizen. Students, your key job now is to learn, to grow and advance your intellectual capabilities. Be your best self as a student.

“Soon, you will be expected to add to the success of our republic as an income earner in whatever occupation you choose. I hope some of you will consider service in our armed forces.”

A video montage of veteran-honoring artwork created by South-sector students was presented, preceded by the playing of the service song for each of the five branches of the armed services.

The evening concluded with an assembly wide rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Pride and Patriotism was co-presented by the Center for American Values and the Pueblo Home of Heroes Association, and sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

Steve Henson once again served as master of ceremonies, with South JROTC Cadet Major Vanessa Pacheco serving as hostess.