Special to the Daily Herald

Pictured left to right, front row: Megan Edwards, Adayah Davis and Timothy Britt; second row: Leroy Edwards, Ronnie Mitchell, Clister Gee Jr., Grady Buffalo, Assistant Principal Gwen Bowser, Principal Ann Davis, Henry Bynum, Steve Jackson and Shameek Williams; third row: Charles Stewart, Randy Garris, Bennie Manning, Pershield Deloatch Sr. and James Wiggins. Contributed Photo | Daily Herald Advertisement

On Nov. 10 at 1:15 p.m., the Rich Square W.S. Creecy Panthers paused to say “thank you” and honor our nation’s finest heroes. The event was sponsored by the administrative team spearheaded by the school’s counselor Denise Eason-Young and co-chaired by Geraldine Langford, RSWSC administrative assistant. 

The program began with students Timothy Britt and Adyah Davis escorting the veterans from VFW Post 4312 of Seaboard, along with veterans from various other posts onto the stage to their designated seats, followed by the posting of colors by student William Cumbo. Megan Edwards, a fourth-grade student at RSWSC, took great delight in leading the audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance,” followed by Randy Young, noted community singer, who gave a powerful rendition of the national anthem.

Commander Stephen Jackson of VFW 4312 of Seaboard then initiated the program the staff and students were so anxious to hear. He spoke about his experiences overseas and what it means to truly serve your country. He said, “In my humble opinion, after serving God, one of the best and greatest things one can do is to serve his country.” Jackson,  he stressed several times during his speech the importance of students striving for excellence and being respectful. After Jackson spoke, Ret. Chief Warrant Officer IV Bennie Manning gave a passionate testimony of his 31 years in the Army.  He pleaded with the students not to waste valuable time in school, give their best effort at all times and to take great pride in each aspect of their daily lives. 

During the course of the program RSWSC students displayed oratorical and musical talents in tribute to the veterans. Luis Alverez and Luiz Lopez read poems and “The Pantherettes,” an all-female school singing group, gave a great rendition of “I Just Can’t Give Up Now,” under the musical direction of fifth-grade teacher Kedra Whitaker. Each of the veterans were  given an opportunity to address the audience as directed by the Robin Phillips, RSWSC queen and mistress of ceremonies.  

At the end of the program, Ann Davis, RSWSC principal as well as Northampton County Schools’ Principal of the Year, offered words of gratitude to each of the program participants for giving their time to share with the RSWSC family as did Gwen Bowser, RSWSC assistant principal.