Natchitoches Central High School held its annual Veterans’ Day program honoring our community’s veterans on Monday, November 13. The entire student body gathered in the school’s main gym and participated in the event. The veterans were treated to breakfast in the NCHS cafeteria after which they were escorted into the gym by NCHS JROTC cadets. Veterans of each military branch were led by a cadet carrying their service’s flag as the student musicians played the service’s song. The NCHS cadet corps was on hand in dress uniforms to present the colors, perform for the crowd, introduce the speakers, organize, and run the program. The student musicians of the NCHS band, choir, and orchestra did their customary superb job, playing a selection of patriotic pieces throughout the program. The NCHS spirit groups also performed.
NCHS Principal Micah Coleman welcomed everyone. The guest speaker, former Army Captain Jeremy Miller, is no stranger to NCHS. He is a 1996 alumni of NCHS who was active in FFA, Army JROTC and the golf team during his tenure at the school. His wife Amanda teaches mathematics at NCHS, and their children are likewise alumni.
Mr. Miller is a 2001 alumni of Northwestern State University who earned a commission through the university’s Army ROTC program. He served as an Army officer for 6 years, to include a combat tour in Iraq. Mr. Miller is actively involved in civic affairs, having served on the boards of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwestern State University Demon Regiment, and numerous other local causes. Mr. Miller’s talk spoke of his time at NCHS, the Army and of the importance of working hard to achieve your goals. Like last year’s speaker, NCHS and West Point alumna Alyssa Milner, he is an example of someone with local roots who went on to achieve and serve.
The Natchitoches Central High School community is to be commended for the superb job they did in presenting this program. The cadets did a wonderful job of organizing and presenting the event. The musicians of the orchestra, choir and band are incredibly talented young men and women. The student body’s decorum was truly remarkable.
The NCHS Veterans’ Day Program is a wonderful example of small-town life at its best. Thank you for inviting me.
