Veterans Honored at PHS Assembly

Posted Date: 11/11/2023

Students welcomed local Veterans to the AVRA Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 10 for an assembly in honor of all who have served in the United States Military.  Veterans were honored by Pryor students who conducted the assembly under the guidance of Career Tech business teacher Bea Roberson. The PHS Choir performed the National Anthem, and the PHS Band played the songs of each military branch during which Veterans of each branch were invited to stand and be recognized.  

Guest speaker local attorney Major General Darrel Moore, a 1972 Pyror graduate, was introduced by his grandchildren PHS students Eden Nofsinger and Owen Nofsinger.  Moore who served in the United States Marine Corps directed his remarks to the seniors reminding them they were only a few months away from entering the adult world. “It is an incredibly complex world out there right now, and as you move into this next phase of your life, are you ready for that, to step into a very complex situation and begin to take your place as the next generation of leaders?” 

Bringing the audience into the conversation, Moore posed three questions to the student body:

• Who can tell me the name of the recently elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives? – Mike Johnson
• Who is currently serving as the Secretary of Defense?  – Lloyd Austin
• What’s the name of my dog? – Steve

Moore awarded three students who successfully answered a question with a challenge coin, coins Moore had received during his military service.

In his remarks, Moore encouraged students to look for opportunities to serve and use their influence to leave a positive mark on Pryor High, their community, and their Nation. 

Seven PHS students who have made the commitment to serve their country were recognized, and the audience rose to their feet in applause for these students who have committed to military service. 

Other Pryor events celebrating the day included a downtown Veterans Day Parade and a Veterans Appreciation Day hosted by the American Legion.