11/07/2025
Chapmanville Regional High School’s Future Leaders Program held its annual Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 6. More than a dozen veterans from the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force were in attendance for the event where they were served refreshments and honored for their service.
The program, held in the Brenda Kay Hager Memorial Auditorium, opened with a welcome from CRHS principal Robert Dial, posting of the colors by FLP members, and a student-led prayer by junior Neko John. Senior Lara Lucas read her essay, “What Veterans Day Means to Me,” followed by senior FLP member Gabriella Wascavage’s introduction and narration during a flag-folding demonstration by Christal Hall and Natalie Farmer, both senior FLP members. The school band and choir performed several songs, including “The Star Spangled Banner” and “West Virginia Hills.”
Featured speaker Millard Thompson, an Army veteran and president of the local VFW Post, spoke to students about the importance of getting along with others, emphasizing the need to “be thankful for what they have each day.”
Thompson recognized each veteran in attendance by name and branch. He also acknowledged members of the VFW post who passed away within the last year. Among those in attendance were Chapmanville Mayor Joel McNeely and Purple Heart recipients.
Thompson also acknowledged the service of Leslie Lowers, Trevor Farmer, and FLP program leader Bo Kennedy, all Air Force veterans and CRHS teachers.
The program concluded outdoors at the flagpole, where the veterans gave a 21-gun salute followed by TAPS by senior Aiden Isaacs and CRHS teacher Rodney Adams. The program ended with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by students and veterans.
When asked about the importance of remembering our veterans, Wascavage noted the challenges many veterans face, including homelessness and mental health. Wascavage enjoyed Thompson’s message, stating, “It was really heartwarming.”
Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11.
Article contributors: Caroline Simpson and Makenzie Hensley
