Students join JROTC units to honor veterans and active-duty service members
Shenandoah, Texas – Over 1,000 Conroe ISD students and community members gathered at Woodforest Bank Stadium on the morning of Monday, November 11, for the 2024 Veterans Day celebration, honoring veterans and active-duty service members. Conroe ISD’s JROTC units from multiple high schools participated in a military Pass in Review ceremony, led by cadets representing all branches of the U.S. military.
The ceremony began with a beautiful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," performed by the Caney Creek High School Choir, which also sang "God Bless America." Attendees included Conroe ISD Board of Trustees members Skeeter Hubert and Tiffany Nelson, as well as Conroe ISD administration.
Hosted by the College Park High School Marine Corps JROTC, this year’s event featured remarks from Dr. Ted Landry, principal of The Woodlands High School and Marine Corps veteran. “All of the branches are represented here today,” Dr. Landry said. “You get to see a nice cross-section with the Marines, Air Force, Navy, and Army all present, along with strong JROTC programs focused on teaching citizenship.”
"Today, we honor not just those who served in combat but all veterans who have contributed to the fabric of our nation. Each of us carries stories, lessons, and experiences that enrich our communities. We're not just veterans; we are fathers, mothers, neighbors, and friends who continue to serve our country in countless ways." – Dr. Ted Landry, Guest Speaker
The ceremony began with a beautiful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," performed by the Caney Creek High School Choir, which later sang "God Bless America." Five JROTC units participated in the Pass in Review, marching in parade formation to applause from the crowd. The units included:
Caney Creek High School Navy JROTC
College Park High School Marine Corps JROTC
Conroe High School Army JROTC
Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC
The Woodlands High School Air Force JROTC
Conroe High School culinary arts students provided refreshments, while patriotic music filled the stadium.
Two Conroe ISD principals—Dr. Ted Landry of The Woodlands High School and Dr. Terri Benson of Caney Creek High School—are military veterans themselves, underscoring the district’s commitment to military appreciation and citizenship education. Student-made Veterans Day posters greeted attendees, adding to the event’s atmosphere of gratitude and respect.
“It’s great to see our students here, as it helps them gain an appreciation for those who have served and lets veterans feel the support of the next generation.” – Dr. Curtis Null, Conroe ISD Superintendent
Conroe ISD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null spoke about the significance of honoring veterans within the community. “The main purpose of today is to give our veterans the chance to feel appreciated by the community,” Dr. Null said. “It’s great to see our students here, as it helps them gain an appreciation for those who have served and lets veterans feel the support of the next generation.”
Veterans were introduced by their respective military branches, and attendees waved American flags in tribute. Cadet narrator Morgan Peuplie, a senior and second lieutenant with the College Park High School Marine JROTC, guided the ceremony, reinforcing the dedication and discipline of Conroe ISD’s JROTC cadets.
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