Last Friday at WBHS the veterans were honored with a breakfast and a very emotional program and was well done from the beginning with the great WBHS band under direction of Dan Plybon, playing the national anthem, with JROTC presenting the colors.
The JROTC presented the story of the flag and the folding of it and the meaning of each fold. Flags were presented to WWII veteran Russ Robinson, Korea veteran Frank Kingery, Vietnam vet David Bissonette and War on Terror vet Josh Williams. The JROTC did an outstanding job with the program under direction of Col. Joseph Thompson and Master Sgt. Allen Culbreath, as did the choir under direction of Matt Bartley with veteran Bud McWhorter wowing the audience with his fantastic voice, with Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American.”
The featured speaker was former WBHS student Josh Williams giving a moving talk about his service time. He had a great surprise from an old service friend who drove all the way from New York City to be with him, his wife Lisa and children. The program ended with “Taps” played by veteran Mark Adler and, of course, this always leaves you in tears. Afterward, the students visited with the veterans in the auxiliary gym.
Shown in the picture with Granny Betty and Granddad Pete Kelly is Granddaughter Julia Kelly, JROTC, one of the presenters of the flags. Both Pete and Betty served in the Navy.
Hats off to Katie Hetherington, Choir, Band, JROTC, and all that helped in anyway to put together this awesome program. God bless the veterans and those that are serving. Thank you!
Not only the Veterans Day celebration happened at WBHS, but Friday night was the opening of “The Music Man Jr.” presented by William Byrd Players featuring students from WBHS, WBMS, and Bonsack. For many of the cast it was their first ever performance and they all did a great job. Nathan Short, who played Harold Hill, did an outstanding job and this was his first ever, hope it won’t be his last. Tela Espelage, Remi Poindexter, Hunter Burgess and the Paroo family did a great job, too. It is wonderful to see the young kids interested in drama, and to all in the cast and crew your hard work and dedicated hours of rehearsal paid off. Thank you.
Hats off to director Carol Lyn Webster, vocal director/sound, Matt Bartley, choreographer, Kelli Manor, Asst. Director Daniel Lewis, and their assistants, plus all that helped in anyway to bring this production alive. Thanks to those that came to see the show, showing their support for the arts in schools.
WBHS was really hopping and, of course, the football team played a game in Lynchburg that night.
Congrats to Mike Bass and his beautiful bride Erika who were married this past weekend. May you have a great life together.
Get Well wishes and prayers go out to Hildrey Pollard (broken leg), Ocelia Pollard, (both at Our Lady), Charlie Drewery (had procedure last week), Penny Cronise (at home), Doug Cronise, (VA Center), Patti Esperti, Cathy Lafferty, Irvin McGarrell (doing better), and Ralph Craig (Hermitage). Freddie Liptrap is at Pheasant Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center, Room 301, 4355 Pheasant Ridge Road, Roanoke 24014. He was a long time coach in Vinton; send him a card – he would love to hear from you. Hope all that are under the weather get well soon.
Last weekend to see “Second Man” at the Star City Playhouse. Shows will be Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, $8 for seniors and students. Call 366-1446 or tickets can be bought at the door. Don’t miss it and support the theater on Pollard across from Vinton Motors.
