CL South to Honor Veterans in Ceremony with Sec. of State Jesse White

About 13 years ago, Scott Shepard was working as a high school principal in Westpoint, Neb., and was looking for a way to honor area veterans and extend the experience to his students.

He landed on the idea of holding a school-wide general assembly that included area veterans, local political leaders and the students. 

The assembly proved to be a success, and Shepard subsequently brought the idea with him to each school he moved on to including his most recent, Marengo High School.

Now, as the new principal for Crystal Lake South High School, Shepard is preparing for a similar Veterans Day event at 9 a.m. this Monday, Nov. 11. School officials have extended invitations to 500 area veterans and the community to attend. Crystal Lake South is located at 1200 S. McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake. More information here. 

Sec. of State Jesse White will serve as keynote speaker for the ceremony. State Rep. Mike Tryon and Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley have committed to attend, as well.  

"The purpose is really two-fold," Shepard said. "We want to educate our students on the importance of recognizing our Armed Forces servicemen and women who make our freedom possible."

"And, this is gives us an opportunity to honor our veterans and show them we appreciate their service. That's why I think it's important to include our students as much as possible and hold the assembly during the school day."

The Crystal Lake South Band will perform during program, and students in the culinary classes will prepare snacks and refreshments for the veterans to enjoy after the ceremony. Students and staff members also created a special video presentation for the program. 

The program includes a roll-call of the veterans in attendance. Each veteran will be introduced to the onlooking 1,800 students along with his/ her service branch, Shepard.

The school also plans to honor fallen Crystal Lake soldiers Marine Cpt. Nathan R. McHone and Marine Lance CPl. Jonathan W. Collins, both graduates of Crystal Lake South High School. McHone was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, and Collins died during enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. 

Any veterans who would like to attend the Veterans Day recognition ceremony on Monday should call the school with their name, rank, and service branch information at 815-455-3860, ext. 3300.