OREGON – Oregon CUSD 220 celebrated Veterans Day with two heartfelt programs, one at the elementary level and one for the junior/senior high school, totaling 90 minutes of tributes to the brave men and women who have served our country. Together, the programs honored over 90 veterans, recognizing their service and sacrifices in front of a grateful community.
The assemblies featured student performances of patriotic songs, inspiring guest speakers, and creative expressions of gratitude, highlighting the district’s commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes. The events left a lasting impression on students, staff, and veterans alike, reflecting the power of education and community in celebrating those who have protected our freedoms.
The programs also resonated beyond the district, with a video of the event going semi-viral and garnering over 42,000 views on Facebook. Watch the video here: https://fb.watch/v_VAa34lXt/.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of a district that works so hard to honor our veterans,” Superintendent PJ Caposey said. “These assemblies reflect the values we strive to instill in our students and our collective gratitude for those who have served. It was an honor to celebrate alongside our community.”
The assemblies were made possible through the efforts of many dedicated individuals and groups across the district. Special thanks are extended to:
Miles Beske, Dy Mowry, Andy Eckardt, Stacey Glendenning, Justine Davis, and Zach Hall for organizing the event and the leading the assemblies.
Mark Tremble, Andy Eckardt, Miles Beske, and Zach Hall for performing the National Anthem as part of a barbershop quartet.
Leland Howard for creating a powerful slideshow.
Chelsea Eden, Seth McMillan, and the FFA for organizing a delicious breakfast for veterans.
Olivia Kincaide and the Art 3/4 students for crafting beautiful artwork displayed in the lobby.
Custodial staff for ensuring the space was set up and ready for the events.
A team of educators, including Tanya Bocker, Kristen Boyer, Chelsey Diehl, Liz Garncarz, Samantha Goldman, Katie Groharing, Lita Johnson, Dawn Merrill, Bridget Rasner, Tiffany Rufer, Mariah Withers, and Tegan Zshornak, for their invaluable contributions.
Mrs. Handschuh and Ms. Doll, along with K-4 classroom teachers, for facilitating the stunning student artwork that adorned the assemblies.
The district also recognizes the efforts of Linda Connelly, Sasha Priller, Julie Davis, and Caitlin Bunch, who ensured the safe and orderly arrival of OES students at the Blackhawk Center, and Lisa Rogers, who managed the sound system for the OES musical performances.
Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to Kelly Pace for helping with refreshments and warmly welcoming veterans as they arrived, and to the OES administration for their unwavering support in making the assemblies possible.
Oregon CUSD 220 is deeply grateful to all those who contributed to these meaningful events. Together, the district demonstrated the power of community, education, and gratitude in honoring our veterans.
For more information about Oregon CUSD 220 and its programs, please contact Caposey at pcaposey@ocusd.net.
