The City of Carmel honored veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10 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 Retired Lt. Colonel Justin Crocker, U.S. Army, Carmel resident and business owner and Carmel VFW Post 10003. Performers at the event included Actors Theatre of Indiana, the Cherry Tree Elementary School Choir and performers, Claire Baney 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 “Saluting Our Heroes.”
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 many entries. The winning posters were chosen based on best representation of the theme, focus on veterans and creativity. They were displayed at the 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 were displayed for the public at the Monon Community Center on the second floor’s main hallway through Friday, Nov. 11. A list of winners and images of their posters can be found at CarmelVeteransDay.com.
The winners of the poster contest are as follows:
- Kindergarten: Tasha Wren, Towne Meadow Elementary
- 1st grade: Riley Wormley, Towne Meadow Elementary
- 2nd grade: Drishti Sharma, Carmel Elementary
- 3rd grade: Kelsey Salazar, Carmel Elementary
- 4th grade: Alan Shen, Towne Meadow Elementary
- 5th grade: Addison Baugher, Carmel Elementary
The panel of judges from veterans organizations chose the winning essays based on best representation of the theme, focus on veterans, strength of message and proper use of grammar. Students were invited to read their winning essays during the ceremony. A list of the winning essays can be found at CarmelVeteransDay.com.
The winners of the essay contest are as follows:
- 6th grade: Gabriela Tovar, Creekside Middle School (Honorable Mention: Karis Lin, Clay Middle School)
- 7th grade: Reid McKay, Clay Middle School (Honorable Mention: Leigha Baehl, Creekside Middle School)
- 8th grade: Ash Jachnik, Clay Middle School (Honorable Mention: Hailey Oh, Clay Middle School)
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. “By the quality and depth of the posters and essays honoring our veterans, it’s obvious our young people understand 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. who contributed to the programs for the ceremony.