By Tyler Dahlgren

Sunrise Middle School in Kearney carried on one of its most meaningful traditions last Tuesday, hosting local heroes and their families for a Veterans Day program honoring courage and sacrifice.

Sunrise and Horizon, Kearney’s other middle school, alternate hosting the event each year. This fall it was Sunrise’s turn, and the school let the students run the show.

“We flip-flop back and forth,” said Sunrise principal Mark Johnson. “It’s something we both take a lot of pride in.”

This year’s program featured music, student speakers, a community breakfast, and a keynote address from Staff Sergeant Paul Mills, a Sunrise parent and U.S. Army veteran whose connection to the school made his message all the more powerful.

Vice principal Erin Jones said involving a veteran with Sunrise roots was impactful.

“It was really important for us to have a parent who was a veteran speak,” Jones said. “His kids have gone through Sunrise, and two of them are here now. We wanted students to understand that we have soldiers and veterans right here in our own building and to help them recognize the sacrifices not just of veterans, but of their families.”

The program showcased a range of student talent, including an impressive performance from the Sunrise orchestra, a new twist made possible by an unusual circumstance.

“The orchestra played because the band is in Washington, D.C. for a Veterans Day program there,” Johnson said. “Both Horizon and Sunrise bands were asked to go. They’re normally here, so this was new for us. The orchestra did a great job, and it ended up being pretty cool.”

The school’s Junior ROTC presented the colors after eighth-grader Rehan Aubeelauck gave the Veterans Day Proclamation. The Sunrise Choir performed the Star Spangled Banner and gave their rendition of Michael and Angela Souders’ Thank You Soldiers. Eighth-grader Elin Kuhl led the Pledge of Allegiance, and classmate Kreighton Fosher read Susan R. Smith’s poem We Honor You Today.

Many students wore shirts reading Leader in Me, a nod to the schoolwide implementation of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Leadership, Johnson said, is woven into everything the school does, including planning and executing a program of this scale.

“We really wanted it to be kid-centered and have them step out as leaders,” Johnson said. “I think they did a great job today. From the speakers to the orchestra to the singers and the Student Council, it all flowed right along.”

Jones noted that the student ownership extended far beyond the stage.

“Our kids set up the gym last night after wrestling and basketball practice,” she said. “Parents were here decorating the cafeteria, and staff made all the breakfast casseroles. Parent volunteers served the food. This truly was a community effort.”

Johnson said Sunrise is working intentionally this year to share its story with families and the broader community. Their program is a source of pride, and the Silver Hawks are always looking for ways to connect with their community.

“We’re being intentional about showing the community who we are and why Sunrise is a great school,” he said. “This program is part of that.”

One of the morning’s most heartwarming moments came as members of the Student Council escorted veterans to their seats before and after the program. Near the end of the program, the kids presented handmade cards to the veterans in attendance.

“That’s what this is all about, developing student leaders,” Johnson said. “Seeing them do that makes you incredibly proud.”

Jones echoed Johnson’s sentiment, noting that the Sunrise students took that initiative all on their own.

“It was their idea to be greeters at the door, bus tables, and walk veterans in,” Jones said. “That was all them.”

On Veterans Day, Sunrise students lifted their voices, served breakfast and offered handshakes and big smiles at the door. The school’s message rang loud and clear, and everything eventually came full circle.

Leadership begins with service, Johnson said, and serving those who served is the kind of lesson that lasts a lifetime.