Local students awarded for poster, essay entries
The City of Carmel honored veterans on Wednesday at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in the Tarkington Theater at the Center for The Performing Arts.
Mayor Jim Brainard was joined by keynote speaker Former USAF Thunderbird Pilot, Major (Retired) Matt Modleski; speaker Colonel (Retired) James Crider, U.S. Army; the Director of Administration for the City of Carmel; Carmel American Legion Post 155; Carmel VFW Post 10003; Performances by the Actors Theatre of Indiana, the Mohawk Trails Elementary School Choir and Cindy Ensign Baney.
The winners of the Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contests were also recognized at the ceremony. Students from local elementary schools took part in the poster contest, while Middle School students participated in the essay contest. This year’s theme was “Freedom is Never Free.”
Finalists for the poster contest were chosen by grade level from each participating school. Board members of the Carmel Arts Council selected one citywide winner in each grade from among the entries. The winning posters were chosen based on best representation of the theme, focus on veterans and creativity. They were displayed at the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony, and each student received a certificate of achievement from Mayor Brainard and Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools Dr. Michael Beresford. The honorable mention posters are up for viewing at the Monon Community Center on the second floor’s main hallway through this Friday.
Poster contest winners in grades K-5 received $50 each and essay contest winners in grades 6-8 received $100 each, courtesy of Indiana Members Credit Union.
“I am impressed with the students and their teachers in our community,” Brainard said. “By the quality and depth of the posters and essays honoring our veterans, it’s obvious our young people understand what it means to be a veteran and the importance of thanking those who have served our country.”
Each veteran in attendance received a gift, courtesy of American Structurepoint and Drs. Lauck & McLean Optometry and Eyewear. Other sponsors included UN Communications Group, Inc.
Art provided