Dexter Honors Veterans

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Boy Scout Troop 200 prepares to present the colors to start the ceremony.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Students wave flags during the ceremony.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The DHS band played a medley of the anthems of each branch of the military. As each anthem for those who are serving or have served were asked to stand. Unit Supply Sergeant with the 1221st Transportation Company Joshua Rennick stands during the medley.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Air Force Veteran Jerry Overfelt during the medley.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Veteran John Prance represented the Vietnam veterans.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Navy Veteran Roy Ward stands.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The DHS band plays during the ceremony.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The second grade coloring contest winners are: Ariana Duley from Willa Fees' class, Savannah Lykins from Rebekah Massey's class, Eli Marrel from April Boyer's class, Nina Whited from Shelly Leonard's class, Lyia Bell Garner from Mauri Kennedy's class, Jaidyn Clark from Melanie Keena's class, Maebri Jordan from jessica Lesley's class and Alaina Ford from Andrea Galloway's class.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The second grade classes at Southwest Elementary held its annual coin drive. The classrooms raised $548.20 to be given this year to the Stoddard County Honor Guard. The class that collected the most was Mauri Kennedy's class and they presented a check to Stoddard County Honor Guard members Larry Eskew, David McClellan and Dallas Buchanan.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Students wave flags during the ceremony.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The winners of the fifth grade poster contest are: Jayda West from Jill Allen's class, Emma Ward from Kara Lummukka's class, Chloe Warren from Robert Scott's class, Jaxon Miller from Shelby Lintz's class, Sophia McRoy from Kristin Miller's class, Justus Lovelady from Whitney Tanksley's class, Nevaeh Gonzalez from Amy Pixley's class and Mali McBride from Alexis Lovins' class. The winners are pictured with art teacher Melissa Whitaker.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Shelia Alsup with American Legion Auxiliary presents the winner of the American Legion Auxiliary Eighth Grade Essay Contest Addie Medley with her certificate and cash prize. Medley's essay will now be submitted for the District and Department of Missouri judging.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Medley then had the opportunity to read her essay.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The guest speaker was Gulf War Veteran, Reverend Justin Sponaugle.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Cody Jinkerson was one of two playing Taps followed by a moment of silence in memory of fallen veterans.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Adam Clark joined Jinkerson in the playing of Taps.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Student Body President Logan Wyman welecomed everyone to the ceremony and led the Pledge of Allegiance.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter student Madeline Parker sang the national anthem.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Air Force Veteran Jerry Overfelt and World War II Navy Veteran Floyd Polsgrove stand during the national anthem.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The Invocation was led by Pastor Darrin Kleeman of Mile City Christian Church.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Mayor Jason Banken was on hand to introduce the guests seated on stage.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Students wave flags during the ceremony.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Schools hosted the annual Community Veterans Day ceremony at the Bearcat Event Center. The entire student body of the Dexter School system attends the event waving American Flags.