10th Annual WBHS Veterans Day Ceremony

Photo by Alexis Mullins

The room is filled with a somber yet powerful feeling. The star spangled flag flutters slowly in the middle of the room. Aside from students walking into the bleachers, all is silent. The room is littered with students and veterans in uniform.

On November 9th, we honored our veterans with an assembly. This celebration was beautiful and sad and hopeful and passionate and one of the best Veterans Day ceremonies one can watch.

Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday honoring our United States military veterans; it is celebrated on November 11th annually. Each year, West invites United States veterans to be a part of its Veterans Day celebration. This year, West Brunswick hosts their 10th annual Veterans Day celebration.

“The Veterans day ceremony is something the JROTC, dance team, chorus program and band get together to honor our Veterans,” said senior battalion commander Ariana McClure. “We give a shout-out to all the men and women who served in the armed forces and help us be the great nation we are today.”

Many parts of the school come together to make this event special. The school band plays the national anthem and the choir sings “A Tribute to the Armed Services.” The JROTC drill team gives a performance and the dance team gives a beautiful performance of the song “flaws.” The principal, Mr. Dalton, gives a speech as well as members of the JROTC program Ariana McClure and Brayden Griffith. Along with the principal and students, some of the aforementioned guest veterans are given the opportunity to speak. Retired first sergeant Herb Lynch performs the poem “A Toast to the Flag” and guest speaker retired colonel Leo Mercado gives a beautiful speech of the importance and remembrance of those who have served and those who have died for our country.

“It is to give thanks to all the people who served and who died serving for our freedom,” said McClure. “It is a way for the school to show that we really care for our Veterans.”

About the Contributors

Noah Farris, Staff Writer

Noah Farris was born in Chapel Hill, NC, but grew up in Brunswick County. Farris is a 17-year-old senior student-athlete while also managing to take college courses and work. Farris earned 40+ college credits during his time here at West, but English has been his favorite class. “College courses really got me into English as well as the positive influences I've had as teachers,” said Farris. Farris is on track to begin college as a junior after he graduates high school this school year--this means he should be able to graduate at just 20 years old with a degree in English. As of now, Farris wants to be an English teacher once he graduates college to help teach the things he enjoys about English and help them find their own voices. “I love to see all the positive impacts I can make in the lives of people around me,” said Farris. “I want to make a career out of it.” Farris has always liked writing and that is what drove him to join journalism, but after seeing how much of a community journalism can be, he decided to stick with it. Farris is now a copy editor on the West Wind board. “Journalism has taught me that there are so many interesting stories and people who don’t get the attention they deserve,” said Farris. Outside of school, Farris likes to read, write, and play video games with his favorite book being “All The Bright Places.” Farris has a busy schedule balancing school, work, and sports but says he always tries to make time to spend with his friends. “As a senior, I can definitely say that not everything you do is going to be fun and you may not even like it, but you have to find something you like in everything,” said Farris.

Alexis Mullins, staff writer

Fifteen-year-old sophomore Alexis Mullins, sister to five, soon to be six, and aspiring photographer is attending her first year as a part of the West Wind. “I like reading, drawing, photography,” said Mullins. “My mom is a very artistic person, so she was the one that got me into drawing and painting; she used to encourage me to paint with her.” In earlier years, Mullins wanted to pursue a career in culinary, but over time, she has grown a passion for photography and plans to go to college for it. Mullins enjoys spending time with her neighbor to help improve her skills. “My old neighbor is a photographer, and she let me go with her on a few photo shoots a couple of weeks ago,” said Mullins. “I also plan to study photography at App State after high school.” Mullins played softball at a young age and cheered throughout middle school. Since starting high school, Mullins has been more interested in her extracurriculars, like drama club. Mullins started attending drama club at the beginning of the 2022 school year and expressed how much she loved the community of people. “I’ve taken drama club for about a year now,” said Mullins. “My favorite part is definitely the people.” Mullins expresses that what piqued her interest in the West Wind was the photography aspect. Photography is Mullins's passion, and she will take any opportunity for more practice. “I think being able to take pictures and write is what I was most intrigued about for journalism, I'm also excited for the memories I’m going to make.” said Mullins.

The West Wind

The West Wind

The West Wind

10th Annual WBHS Veterans Day Ceremony

The West Wind