Veterans Day ceremony set Nov. 8 at CFHS

The Murphy Donaldson Chapter of the National Honor Society of Columbia Falls High School is proud to present the annual Veterans' Day Assembly on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Special presenters this year include Air Force Lt. Col. Bruce Snedden, and local elementary school winners of the Honor Society essay contest. The topic of this year's contest is, "Why do you think we should honor our veterans?" Honored guest include residents of the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls.

The Columbia Falls High School Wind Ensemble and Choir will provide musical performances, and the presentation of colors will be provided by the United States Army.

Veterans have been honored for many years at CFHS and it has become a tradition to host this assembly, which has been held annually for about 30 years.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize and thank the veterans of our community," CFHS Activities Director John Thompson said. "The Honor Society has consistently produced a program that appropriately acknowledges the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country."

The public is invited to the assembly. Seating begins at 9:30 a.m. in the high school gym.

It is one of the few schools in the state that actively celebrates Veterans Day and all that the Armed Services have accomplished in history.

For further information, contact CFHS at 892-6500.

Veterans Day Essay Contest winners announced

Students representing Glacier Gateway, Canyon and West Glacier elementary schools as well as Deer Park School are winners in the 2007 Veterans Day Essay Contest, sponsored again by the National Honor Society at Columbia Falls High School.

Essay winners, with their grade, school and teacher:

? Matthew Morrison, second grade, Glacier Gateway, Louann Morrison.

? Hannah Gustin, third grade, Canyon, Debra Cox.

? Sophia Emond, fourth grade, Deer Park, Susan Kitchen.

? Morgan Linnemon, fifth grade, West Glacier, Carolyn Wieringa.

This year's essay theme: Why we honor our veterans.

According to Soozi Crosby, National Honor Society advisor at the high school, there were nearly 30 essays submitted to the NHS essay committee — more than twice as many as last year. There were fewer than 10 written in 2006.

Morrison, Gustin, Emond and Linnemon are scheduled to read their winning essays during the Veterans Day ceremony next Thursday, Nov. 8, which begins at 10 a.m. in the high school gym.

Crosby said that there are 26 National Honor Society members at CFHS this school year. To qualify, students must have a grade-point average of at least 3.8.