RACINE,OH- Administrators, staff and students at Southern Local School District celebrated those who served with two Veterans Day programs on Friday, November 10, 2023.
The Racine American Legion Posted and Retired the colors at both the elementary and high school programs.
Presenters from the school included: Superintendent Tony Deem, SHS Principal Daniel Otto, Elementary Principal Tricia McNickle, SHS Counselor Russ Fields, who MC’d both programs, and Technology Coordinator Ed Baker.
To kick off the day, the Southern High school band performed the National Anthem, Anchors Away, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, and played instrumentals while the 3rd graders sang America the Beautiful, directed by Mr. Darren Jackson. An eruption of applause followed. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alexis Smith, SHS Student Council President. The Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade program honored veterans in attendance and those who worked at Southern Local.
National Honor Society Members (Gracie Hill, Brayden Otto, Chloe Rizer, Ava Roush, Alexis Smith, & Lauren Smith) read some Veterans Day quotes. Principal Tricia McNickle spoke briefly about why Veterans Day is important. She showed her appreciation for everyone who is serving, has served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Students also honored veterans by giving them pins and drawings while thanking them for their service. These students represented different classes and Cub Scout Pack 777.
Soon after, a more intense program was held in the Southern High School gymnasium that acted as a celebration of Veterans and a remembrance for those that have lost their lives in the line of duty (185 Veterans from Meigs County) .
Those in attendance enjoyed the National Anthem played by the Southern High School Band, which was directed by Mr. Chad Dodson and Mr. David Maxson.
Brayden Otto, NHS President, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. SHS Principal, Daniel Otto, then welcomed the veterans, visitors, students and staff to the program. He spoke eloquently about how those who are still serving, those who served, and those who paid the ultimate price are deeply appreciated.
Mr. Fields then introduced Andrea Neutzling, from the Tuppers Plains VFW Post 9053. She presented 10th grade student Taylor Tucker a check for winning Voice of Democracy, an oral essay/speech program.
The aforementioned SHS National Honor Society Members then read inspirational quotes. Followed by a Veterans Day appreciation video, “Today We Honor Our Veterans.”
SHS Counselor Russ Fields, also a veteran, then acknowledged the Southern alumni veterans, staff members who are veterans, and veterans in attendance.
Superintendent Tony Deem, a veteran as well, humbly introduced the special honoree of the program. The special distinction was given to Chuck Mugrage, an Army veteran and 1970 graduate of Southern High School.
Mugrage served in the Vietnam War in Germany. He was trained on authenticating radio messages. He finished out his Army career in the Fort Knox motor pool. He was chosen as the Company Commander’s private driver. He also served as a classified document carrier. This job required having a locked briefcase handcuffed to his wrist with an armed driver.
After returning home, he joined the Army National Guard out of Marietta, Ohio, and served for two and a half years.
In 1974, he started a 42 year career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Mugrage has been very active in the community. Some of this activity includes:
Commander of VFW Post 9053 of Tuppers Plains
Racine American Legion
Past member of Disabled American Veterans
Meigs County Veterans Board
Meigs County Armed Forces Banner project
Raising the flag for school events
Presenting colors
Helps distribute and put flags on cemeteries for Memorial Day
Lays wreaths at several local cemeteries for Wreath Adventures
Congratulations to Chuck Mugrage.
There was another special honor from Denny Evans, of the Racine American Legion. Evans presented SHS Principal, Daniel Otto, with a special award. Evans said Mr. Otto has been an inspiration and intricate part of organizing such meaningful Veterans Day programs year after year. Evans expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Mr. Otto’s hard work and dedication to honor all veterans.
Mr. Tony Deem and Mr. Edward Baker, also a veteran, did roll call for those Meigs Countians who gave their life in the line of service for this country. This was accompanied by their names being projected on the wall, tolling of the bell, clock countdown, and the extinguishing of the candles. Followed by the bugle call Taps with echo being played by Mr. Jimmy Powell and Mr. David Maxson.
The veterans were then invited to enjoy snacks and drinks, served by the NHS, as Mr. Otto closed out the program.
A special thank you to: sophomore, David Kemppel, who helped live stream the high school Veterans Day program; Mr. Chad Dodson for handling the technology, the Southern Local Band, Tricia McNickel, Beth Bay, Beth Lanning and Kim Grueser for taking pictures, Mr. Hicks and Mr. Patterson for helping set up, and most importantly all those who have or are serving in the armed forces.