Summit Middle School Students Pay Tribute to Johnston Veterans

A patriotic tune filled the air as men and women currently in the military and those who have served in the past walked into Friday.

Many congregated in the enterance to the school enjoying cookies, refreshments and the sound of the Summit Flute Choir.

Seventh-graders Sam Flodin and Morgan Bump have been rehearsing for months for the event.

"We have been practicing since we joined," Morgan said. "We wake up early every Tuesday and Thursday. I think it went really good."

"Yeah, we got lots of claps," Sam said. "I think it's really important to recognize our troops, we're really grateful they came today."

The assembly started with the color guard from presenting the flags, followed by four vocalists singing the National Anthem.

Eric Bridgewater, Nolan Martz, Sam Sparland and Matt Zinselmeier, all seniors, made the trip back to Summit for the occasion.

"We were contacted by Ms. Paulsen and asked to sing," Zinselmeier said. "This is really the first time that we've sung patriotic songs, ususally we have more pop versions."

The quartet was happy to do something for veterans.

"We just don't want to screw up the National Anthem," Zinselmeier said.

Guest speaker Sgt. Major Chris Fox, a Johnston alum, put those fears to rest for the quartet.

"That was one of the best National Anthems I've ever heard," he told the crowd.

Fox reminded students about the meaning of citizenship and the three Cs to maintain citizenship. 

• Care, care about something or somebody.
• Contribute, help someone.
• Cause positive things to happen.

"I challenge you to be a hero, sometimes you have to say or do the right thing even when you don't want to," he said. "Do someting bigger than yourself, help someone you normally wouldn't."

Fox urged the students to always give thanks to those who serve.

"It never gets old hearing thank you," he said.

Seventh-grade students enjoyed the assembly at 9:50 followed by a brief break with the Flute Choir and a sixth-grade assembly at 10:40.