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Returning annually on November 11, Veterans Day was on a Monday in 2024. 

Thus, as the week began, plenty of Clark County Public Schools students had time to honor those who had served. 

While Strode Station Elementary School and Robert D. Campbell Junior High School held ceremonies on Friday, Nov. 8, and George Rogers Clark High School held a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 12, other schools—Baker Intermediate, Conkwright Elementary School, Justice Elementary School, Shearer Elementary School, and Clark County Preschools—held their ceremonies on Monday. 

“[Veterans Day] is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of our veterans who have dedicated their lives to protect the freedoms that we hold dear,” said Baker Intermediate School Principal Josh Mounts. “To the veterans that are in attendance today, we extend our [gratitude] to your courage and commitment to our country.” 

Baker Intermediate School’s event featured multiple acts of celebration and recognition. 

Along with mentioning Francis Scott Key’s works and featuring the Winchester Fire Department’s Honor Guard during a Presentation of Colors, the day also featured the chorus of Baker Intermediate School performing “A Tribute to the Armed Forces.” 

In doing so, they sang the anthem for each of the military branches—Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard—while adults in attendance who had served stood and received a round of applause from the crowd. 

The Baker Intermediate Chorus also paid a touching tribute to veterans with a song titled “Grateful Nation,” which was performed near the end of the event. The Robert D. Campbell Junior High School band was present to perform a “Freedom Finale.” 

Various students took time to honor veterans with a “21 Thank You Salute,” while a Veterans Day Essay was read aloud by student Charlee Frick. 

Students Walker Puckett, Myari Graves, Laney Stakeline, and Jaden Maines were also active in the ceremony. 

Certainly not least, Jason Ashburn  – who would go on to receive the Coy H. New Distinguished Veterans Award – served as guest speaker. 

A native of Lawrenceburg, he served nine years in the U.S. Navy. 

“The [military] gave me some much-needed discipline. I thank the Navy for that,” said Ashburn, who served in places including Italy and Norfolk, Virginia. “This is an extraordinary day of the year. This school did a great job of bringing in some very important people…who’ve served in the military or are serving.” 

Ashburn, who also received the Coy H. New Distinguished Veteran Award, named after the late grandfather of Principal Mounts, even led the students assembled in performing a salute. 

“I’ve done this a couple of times…and I’ll never change…that,” he said. “The veterans know exactly what it means, and the kids get it, too. So, it’s a nice touch.” 

Baker Intermediate School Assistant Principal Renee Ware offered some final words as the ceremony concluded. 

“The best way we can honor our veterans is to remember the sacrifices they made and to be grateful every day as we go forward,” she said.