Students honor veterans in Queen Creek

Students at schools throughout the Queen Creek Unified School District recently took time to honor the local veterans.

“We thank those parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have served our nation, sacrificed for our freedoms and protected our community,” according to a district press release.

Tributes took place at each district school on Nov. 11. Here is how each school celebrated and honored veterans:

Desert Mountain Elementary

The Veterans Day assembly featured a slideshow honoring veterans, who were invited to attend and were recognized for their service. The student council led the event.

Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary

The Veterans Day assembly included a performance of patriotic songs by the fourth grade, a recitation of the pledge and a special acknowledgment of attending veterans.

Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary

The Veterans Day assembly featured a recitation of the pledge, musical performances, a tribute to veterans and a special presentation by the Leading of Loud club.

Jack Barnes Elementary

The Veterans Day concert featured a performance by the first grade and a slideshow honoring specific veterans, including staff, family members and concert attendees. Each veteran in attendance was called to the front by name and presented with a small token of appreciation in recognition of their service.

Queen Creek Elementary

The school welcomed veterans as honored guests, acknowledging their service with a special tribute. The choir and students performed songs to celebrate and show gratitude for their contributions.

Silver Valley Elementary

The assembly began with veterans being greeted by the Lighthouse team and escorted to their seats by students. The program featured performances by the choir and student leaders, along with a formal presentation of the colors and a special performance by the Army band.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary

The event brought together the entire school community, with veterans and their family members invited as honored guests. The assembly included a special acknowledgment of the veterans featuring songs performed by the students.

Schnepf Elementary

The assembly was attended by veterans, first responders and students, with a special performance by the fourth grade. Student leadership organized Queen Creek High School JROTC to present the colors.

Gateway Polytechnic Academy

There was a special program performed by the fourth grade. Following the performance, veterans, their family members and students gathered in the cafeteria for breakfast.

Newell Barney College Prep

Veterans and parents had the opportunity to visit the Wall of Honor, displayed at the front of the school. A ceremony was held at the flagpole with guest speakers, including a veteran and a student with two veteran parents. The event was attended by all students, with additional veterans and parents joining the gathering.

Queen Creek Junior High School

Veterans and parents attended the assembly held in front of the flagpole. Along with a guest speaker. Students recited the pledge, with the Spanish class performing a rendition in Spanish. The assembly also featured a solemn tribute with a “Missing Man Table” ceremony.

Queen Creek High School

The school and veterans gathered to watch a parade on campus led by the JROTC, which featured QCHS bands and clubs. This was followed by a ceremony conducted in front of the school.

Eastmark High School

The Veterans Day breakfast featured performances by the choir and band, accompanied by a picture wall showcasing veterans from the student body’s families.

Crismon High School

The Veterans Day breakfast included a musical performance and a recognition of veterans, featuring personalized cards, a slideshow and other tributes.