OUR VETERANS
Middle school hosts veterans
HUNTER DWORACZYK [email protected]
Lt. Col. Joseph Meller talked about impact during Taylor Middle School’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
Meller, who serves in both the Army and the Taylor Independent School District board, was the guest speaker of the TMS program held in the school’s gymnasium Friday, Nov. 10.
“We all have a unique desire, a subconscious, to feel a little important or as if we matter or what we are doing matters,” Meller said. “Whether you are on a sports team, whether you’re writing a poem, you want to make a difference.”
He described to the students and veterans in attendance that those who are behind the scenes want to make an impact, even if they do not wish to receive accolades.
Meller said making an impact is exactly what veterans have done for the students. Later, he challenged the students to look for someone who has made a difference in their lives and give them recognition.
“We don’t always see it at first, we don’t know who will impact us,” Meller said. “Maybe by encouraging words. We don’t know who will inspire us to be better. It might not always be when you’re looking for it. A lot of the time it is when we need it.”
The program featured TMS students. The school’s choir performed the National Anthem and its band played Armed Forces on Parade and TAPS.
Manara Hutchinson-Bey presented the colors, Arjae Rochez led the pledge of allegiance, Zevyn Torres led the invocation, Christa Cedillo introduced Meller as a speaker, Heather Gotschall led the recognition of veterans and Ace Roberson led a tribute.
Additionally, Amarius White told the history of TAPS, Melissa Solis led a moment of silence, Morgan Patsche recognized veterans who work for TMS, Nathalie Cruz read a poem and America Velazquez led the benediction.
Math teacher Careta Miller was the master of ceremony.
