School
CPS Students Say “Thank You” to Veterans & Families
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Seventh through twelfth grade students at Central Private School honored veterans, fallen heroes, and the Blue and Gold Star families at a special Blue Tie Service held in the school gym on Friday, November 9, 2012. Members of the school family and community were invited to attend the ceremony. Students heard moving messages from Micah & Kaleigh Barnett, the nephew and niece of fallen hero 1st LT Chris Barnett of Baton Rouge, and from Mrs. Marybeth LeVan, the Gold Star Mother of fallen hero CPL Kyle Grimes. USMC Sgt William “Bobby” Westbrook, himself a 2003 graduate of Central Private, also spoke to the students and families about his time in the service, the sacrifices that military families make, and the importance of being thankful for the freedoms that we have.
As a part of the service, participating students wore blue neck ties bearing the name of one of Louisiana’s fallen heroes. The 70 students who volunteered to participate took turns reading the name, rank, hometown, age, and date of death of each soldier. A candle was lit in that soldier’s honor after each name was read. The candles helped students to realize just how many young men and women from our own community and surrounding area have sacrificed their lives to provide for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans.
After the service, students had the opportunity to meet and thank the family members of some of the honored soldiers. Families were allowed to have the tie bearing their loved one’s name if they desired.
The service was coordinated by Mrs. Tiffany Villarreal and Mrs. Susan McWilliams, CPS middle school teachers. As a part of the preparations for this service, 7th and 8th grade students in Mrs. Villarreal’s classes made donations towards other memorial projects including a donation to Mayor Shelton “Mac” Watts’ Blue Star 100 Club, the purchase of a brick in the Central Veterans Memorial Park honoring Sgt Westbrook, and a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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