Beech Tree News Network

Honoring all who have served in the Military, the annual Veteran’s Day Program was held on Friday, November 10 at 9:00 AM at Butler County High School. The BCHS gym was full of students, community members, and veterans and their families.  Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck welcomed those in attendance and outlined the events of the day.   

The BCHS NJROTC, under the leadership of Master Chief Bill Vermillion and Commander Harry Phelps, presented the colors, BCHS Beta Officer Jay Peralta led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The audience then remained standing as the BCHS Choir performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "My Old Kentucky Home."    

 Next Aberdeen Baptist Church Pastor, Brian Jones gave the invocation.  

After this, Mrs. Jennifer Odle, of the VFW Auxiliary announced its winners for Writing and Art for Heroes contests, as well as Buddy Poppy winners.  They are listed below.   

 

Commander Andrew Gidcumb of the local VFW Post 5837 recognized the group’s Veteran of the Year, Bryan Pharris. Butler County D.A.R. regent Deborah Worley recognized Bobby Escue, her group’s Veteran of the Year and Green River Chapter D.A.R. regent Melanie Hunt recognized her group’s veteran, Mike Hudnall. All three presenters heralded the extreme bravery and patriotism of each of their group’s chosen veteran.  

Keynote speaker Master Chief Bill Vermillion then gave an inspiring speech including thanks to the veterans present who served. 

Quilts were presented to veterans by Jennifer Odle and Darlene Scott and other members of the Butler County Peacemakers.   Those receiving quilts are listed below.  

The BCHS Band, under the direction of Mr. Justus Adams, played “Salute to America’s Finest, a medley arrangement of the songs for each branch of military service. Veterans stood, and were applauded, when the song representing their branch was played.  

After this, Veteran and BCHS Teacher, John Burden read the names of veterans in attendance. Then Anthony Vanfleet played "Taps" as a moment of silence was held for those who were lost in combat.  

Supt. Tuck concluded the event which was followed by a reception for the Veterans and their guests, hosted by the BCHS FCCLA and sponsor Ruthie Baker.       

Coordinator of the event, MES teacher Jan Embry, heralded the event. “The best part of this program is how our community comes together to celebrate the men and women who sacrificed so much for us. Every day should be Veterans Day!” 

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BCHS 2023 Art for Heroes Winners 

Senior Class 

1st Place-Ashlee Neighbors 

2nd Place -Ages Otey 

3rd Place-Bryleigh Jones  

Junior Class 

1st Place-Aubrey Logsdon  

2nd Place-Lidia Rafael 

3rd Place-Brandon Farler  

Sophomore Class 

1st Place-Ellie McIntosh 

2nd Place-Enzo Sublett 

3rd Place-Makenzi Turner  

Honorable Mention-Harlie Chapman  

 

BCHS 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners 

Senior Class 

1st Place-Brooklyn Kimble 

2nd Place-Bryleigh Jones 

3rd Place-Landon Conyer  

 

Junior Class  

2nd Place-Brayden Clark 

3rd Place-Brayden Phelps 

Honorable Mention-Casey Southerland   

 

Sophomore Class 

1st Place-Harlie Chapman 

1st Place-Taylor Smith  

 

BCMS 2023 Art for Heroes Winners 

8th Grade  

1st Place-Charli Webster 

2nd Place-Layla Adams 

3rd Place-Shelby McDaniel  

 

7th Grade 

1st Place-Madison Cardwell 

2nd Place-Tarah Henderson 

3rd Place-Sage Wallace 

 

6th Grade 

1st Place-Harper Hack 

2nd Place-Eliza Lynch  

3rd Place-Ari Rife 

 

BCMS 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners 

8th Grade 

1st Place-Mark Gruber 

2nd Place-Jay Peralta 

3rd Place-Feliz Fransisco  

 

6th Grade 

1st Place-Eliza Lynch  

2nd Place-Harker Hack  

3rd Place-Maryann Klett 

Honorable Mention-Brantlee Bratcher  

 

MES 2023 Art for Heroes Winners 

5th Grade 

1st Place-Yetzali Garcia Cruz 

2nd Place-Phin Taylor  

3rd Place-Teagin Pedigo 

 

4th Grade 

1st Place-Chaney Hunt  

2nd Place-Matthew Brown  

3rd Place-Jackson Wooldridge  

 

3rd Grade 

1st Place-Porter Hack  

2nd Place-Sophia Orange 

3rd Place-Hunter Forbes 

Honorable Mention-Houston Hampton  

 

2nd Grade 

1st Place-Leona Lindsey 

2nd Place-Damien Johnson  

3rd Place-Harrison Hawkins  

 

1st Grade 

1st Place-Amiyan Perry  

2nd Place-Piper Woodall  

3rd Place-Lillian Kessler 

 

MES 2023 Writing for Heroes Winners 

4th Grade 

1st Place-Chaney Hunt  

2nd Place-Carley Davis 

3rd Place-Lilly Belcher 

 

Honorable Mention-Marley Phelps, Matthew Brown  

2nd Grade 

1st Place-Harrison Hawkins  

2nd Place-Annalee Oaks 

3rd Place-Addison Payton  

 

MES Buddy Poppy Writing  

5th Grade 

1st Place-Cheyanne Givens 

2nd Place-Drew Stokes 

3rd Place-Jameson Millage 

Honorable Mentions-Teagin Pedigo, Gracyn Amos, Phin Taylor 

 

North Butler 2023 Art for Heroes Winners 

5th Grade 

1st Place-Ava Miller 

2nd Place-Harmony Dixon  

3rd Place-Ava Elmore 

 

Kindergarten 

1st Place-Lukas Price 

2nd Place-Waylon Brooks 

3rd Place-Khaleesi Johnson  

 

North Butler Writing  

Kindergarten 

1st Place-Khaleesi Johnson 

2nd Place-Kenten Reece 

3rd Place-Heidi Johnson  

Honorable Mention-Casyn Johnson  

 

North Butler Buddy Poppy Writing  

5th Grade 

1st Place-Remington Beasley 

2nd Place-Ava Miller 

3rd Place-Graceyn Evans  

 

photo by Adam Williams

Recipients of the Quilts of Valor from the Butler County Peacemakers were: 
Jeremy Howard  

Steve Layne  

Carl King  

Damon Tabor 

Denny Chambers 

Andrew Dandelin 

Mike Hudnall  

Bobby Tuck 

Bill Vermillion  

Jessie Burden 

Little Jim Hunt 

Stevie Joe Pharris  

Bryan Pharris 

Darrell Williams 

John Washer