Kane County Schools Honor Veterans with heartfelt ceremonies

On November 11, 2025, Kane County School District hon­ored veterans through meaningful programs at Kanab Elementary, Kanab Middle, Kanab High, Valley Elemen­tary, Valley High, Big Water School and Lake Powell School. Each school celebrated ser­vice and sacrifice with student-led tributes, music and solemn tra­ditions.

Kanab Elementary: A Standalone Tribute of Gratitude

Kanab Elementary held its own Veterans Day assembly, offering a warm and personal tribute to local vet­erans. The program included:

• A welcome from Mrs. Button

• Presentation of the flag by the American Legion

• Pledge of Allegiance

• National Anthem per­formed by the Kanab El­ementary School Choir

• Three student es­says by Paige Casebolt, Ephraim Ballard and Brigg Baird

• Fifth-grade perfor­mances of “Thank You Military,” “Forever Free,” and “God Bless the USA,” with audi­ence participating in the final chorus

• Closing remarks from Mrs. Button

• A concluding outdoor ceremony featuring the retiring of the flag and a 21-gun salute by the American Legion

The event showcased student voices, musi­cal talent and a deep sense of community pride. Veterans were honored with heartfelt words and patriotic songs, reinforcing the importance of service and remembrance.

Kanab Middle and High Schools: A Uni­fied Assembly of Honor

Kanab Middle and Kanab High School joined together for a combined assembly held on the Kanab High football field. High­lights included:

• Welcome, Kanab High Student Body President Levi Stewart

• Flag raising with bugle performance of “To the Colors”

• National Anthem by the school choir

• Pledge of Allegiance led by Kanab Middle Student Body President Houston Brown

• Award-winning es­says by Bob Keller, Ruby Schmutz and Dalton Kenworthy

• “God Bless the USA” performed by the choir under the direction of Mrs. Terry

• Guest remarks from veteran Bethany Nord­ing Craig

• Flag retirement and 21-gun salute by the American Legion, with “Taps” played in tribute

• Closing remarks from Levi Stewart

This joint assembly brought students and staff together in a pow­erful moment of unity and respect, honoring veterans through sto­ries, songs and ceremo­nies.

Valley Elementary School: Symbolism of the United States

Valley Elementary School’s program fo­cuses on The symbol­isms of the United States, which included the Pledge of Allegiance by Braylee Baird, Patri­otic Symbols by Remi Johnson, sixth grade song – My Country ‘Tis of Thee, the U.S. Flag’s History by Maycee Mil­lard, fourth grade song – You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag, We the People by Ryan Jones and fifth grade, fifth grade sone – Fifty Nifty United States, Serving Our Country by Sawyer Sharkey, Thank You, Military by K-1-2-3 grades and closed with everyone singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Valley High School: Honoring Service Through Story and Connection

Valley High School’s Veterans Day program offered a deeply person­al tribute. After patri­otic songs and student essays, local veterans were invited to intro­duce themselves, share where they served and speak about the impor­tance of freedom. Their stories brought history to life and underscored the values of courage and sacrifice.

Following the program, students had the opportunity to person­ally thank the veterans, shaking hands and expressing their grati­tude face-to-face. It was a powerful moment of connection and respect.

I want to express my gratitude to the veterans in our com­munity for joining our school assemblies and helping our students understand the true meaning of freedom. Your presence and sto­ries remind us all of the sacrifices made to protect the liberties we enjoy in this great country. Thank you for inspiring the next generation with your service and example.