ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Over 400 Lake Highland first through 12th-grade students in the performing arts have worked diligently since the beginning of the school year to prepare for their annual performance to honor our courageous veterans.
Over 1,000 guests were in attendance this year, including veterans and their families from across the Central Florida region.
Lake Highland Preparatory School students came together to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces. A showcase filled with gratitude, respect, and remembrance.
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Avery Peterson is a senior at the school and says she’s been a part of this annual honor since the third grade.
“We really appreciate what they did for us because I feel like students never really understand what they went through, because we weren’t alive at that time,” said Peterson. “But by doing this, I hope that they know we really do appreciate them, in every way possible.”
The program included powerful speeches from students, patriotic performances, and ensembles. Veterans in attendance were celebrated with standing ovations, handshakes, and personal words of thanks from students who recognized the courage, and dedication required to protect our freedoms.
School President, Jim McIntyre says events like this are a priority.
“There are people who step forward to defend the United States, and it’s important for our young people to understand what that type of selflessness, self-sacrifice, not only of the veterans but of their families too,” says McIntyre. “The idea that someone would care for us and not even know us.”
A playing of taps, as all remembered the fallen troops. Today’s salute served not only as a tribute, but also as an educational experience; reminding everyone of the importance of service, sacrifice, and gratitude.
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