Charger News

CHS students show pride during “Proud to be an American Week”

Thomasina Bennett, Charger Staff

This year Cookeville High School students honored the country’s veterans in a unique way. The students dressed up, wore ribbons, and wore veteran’s names to show their appreciation for those special men and women who served our country in one of the branches of the Armed Services.

On Monday, November 11, the students dressed up in camouflage to acknowledge the people who have fought and still fight for this country’s liberties and freedoms.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, was yellow ribbon day. Every student, teacher, and staff member was provided a yellow ribbon, courtesy of Tennessee Tomorrow, to remember this nation’s veterans of foreign wars.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, was dress your best for those who gave their best, where students put on their best clothes to honor those who gave of their time, and in some cases, their lives.

Thursday, Nov. 14, was wear a veteran’s name over your heart. Tennessee Tomorrow made a couple hundred red, white, and blue name tags so that students could wear a veterans name all day. The students had the choice of wearing the name of a veteran of their choosing, or they could be given a name by Tennessee Tomorrow.

Friday, Nov. 15, was red, white, and blue day. The whole student body showed their support by donning these colors in drones.

In addition to all of the fun dress up days, on Tuesday night, Nov.12, there was a program held in the veterans’ honor, with food provided by Tennessee Tomorrow, songs provided by the Cookeville High School choir, and music provided by the Cookeville High School band. This was a wonderful night for both the veterans and students alike.

One of the main people behind this very special week was Laura Carter. She was the woman who first came up with the idea for Proud to be an American Week. She is a history teacher and the sponsor of Tennessee Tomorrow and the history club.

She and the members of her clubs were those who set up and made sure that Proud to be an American Week went as well as it did.
Another important facilitator is Marie Thompson, who is also a sponsor of Tennessee Tomorrow.

Both teachers gave many reasons for wanting to have this special week. “With so many soldiers away at Thanksgiving this year, we wanted to let students show their patriotism and support,” say Carter and Thompson.

This was a very special week, and it was a wonderful experience for all involved.

The students of Cookeville High School did a great thing in taking time out of their lives to pay tribute to this nation’s veterans.