Beech Tree News Network

The annual community-wide Veterans' Day program was held on Monday, November 11, at the BCHS gym.  MES teacher Jan Embry organized the event. 

Butler County Schools' Superintendent Robert Tuck kicked off the event by welcoming those in attendance and offering a few words about the importance of "honoring the brave men and women" who are veterans of the U.S. military.  

The Butler County High School  NJROTC presented the colors (flags) and Maggie Childers (BCHS Beta) led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The BCHS Choir performed the "The Star Spangled Banner" and "My Old Kentucky Home."  Calvin Dockery (local pastor, BCHS head basketball coach, and teacher at BCMS) provided the invocation.  

Local VFW Auxiliary members presented awards for writing and art competition, as well as Buddy Poppy winners:  

Writing and Art Winners:

North Butler - 5th Grade Writing:  Brenlee McElwain, Aubree Morgan, Aiden Moore

BCHS Writing:  9th Grade - Mark Gruber

MES - 5th Grade Art:  Delilah Smith, Drew Southerland, Jordon Bush

North Butler - 5th Grade Art:  Addison Alcantara, Gracie Chapman, Maggie Elmore

BCMS - 8th Grade Art:  Shelby Hollis, Xwen Chen, Audrey Green

BCHS Art:  

10th Grade - Claira Boone (1st), Josh Barrow (2nd), Clay Sublett (3rd)

11th Grade - Serenyty Johnson (1st), Makayla Beatty (2nd), Ashlee Neighbors (3rd)

12th Grade - Casey Southerland (1st), Jennifer Pulido (2nd), Ryleigh White (3rd)

MES Buddy Poppy Winners - 5th Grade:  Matthew Brown, Aubree Crank, Ella Johnson

North Butler Buddy Poppy Winners - 5th Grade:  Emma Snell, Makenlie Jones, Brystol Prescott.  

Local veterans'-affiliated groups recognized their "Veteran of the Year:

VFW Auxiliary Post 5837:  David Daugherty and Hawk Laughing

VFW Post 5837:  Rovie Alford

Butler County D.A.R.:  Steve Staples and Stevie Joe Pharris

Green River Chapter D.A.R.:  Doyle Graham

Commander Bob McPherson II (U.S. Navy-Retired) was the keynote speaker.  McPherson is a 1989 graduate of Butler County High School.  To view McPherson's speech in its entirety, click on the link Veterans Day Speech 24.docx.pdf

Butler County Piecemakers 2024 Quilt Recipients:

U.S. Army: 

Steven Staples

Lonnie Wayne Embry

Michael Ryan

Samuel Hartford

Vernon Terry

Larry Abrey

Joseph VonAxelson.

U.S. Marine Corps: 

Jeffery B. Barks

Rick Tarrance

Bernard "Little Hawk" Laughing.

U.S. Navy:  James Clark, Jr. 

U.S. Air Force:  Ballard Mattingly

The BCHS Band performed the various service songs - "Salute to America's Finest."

John Burden (veteran and BCHS teacher) presented service awards and recognized each veteran.  

BCHS student Rayden Johnson played "Taps" and a moment of silence was held to remember those veterans who have died. 

Superintendent Robert Tuck wrapped up the event with closing comments.

A reception was held by the BCHS FCCLA chapter for veterans and guests following the program.