NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University First Lady Martha Janes Genovese was featured speaker at the NSU Elementary Lab School Veterans Day program, a student-led that honored those who served and are serving in the United States armed forces. The event was hosted by the school’s 4-H Club.
NSU First Lady Martha Genovese, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was featured speaker at the NSU Elementary Lab Veterans Day program.
Genovese, daughter of a World War II veteran, left Northwestern State in 1969, the height of the Viet Nam War, to join the U.S. Air Force, against her parents’ wishes. Her three brothers also served in the Air Force at the same time. She retired as staff sergeant. She said her most memorable experiences were working with POWs after they returned to the U.S.
E Lab’s 4-H Club officers and members organized the Veterans Day program that was held in conjunction with Grandparents Day and the school book fair.
4-H Officers sang the U.S. National Anthem, directed by vocal teacher D’Nissa Hester.
The morning began with a reception for veterans in the school garden pavilion. 4-H club members escorted veterans in a procession into the gym for the patriot program of songs and a slide show recognizing students’ family members who are veterans.
Emmitt Maggio read his award-winning Veterans Day essay and art contest winners Jalen Jones, K-1st grade winner; Kynlee Hardison, 2nd-3rd grade winner, and Kennedy Harrell, 4th-5th grade winner, were recognized. Anniston Wilkerson, 3rd grade, received honorable mention. Their work appeared on the event program.
With over 90 members, the Elementary Lab School 4-H Club is one of the largest in the state. Lisa Wiggins is the club sponsor.
Emmitt Maggio was winner of the Veterans Day essay contest. 4-H Club sponsor Lisa Wiggins, right, presented the award.
Veterans Day art contest winners were, from left, Anniston Wilkerson, Jalen Jones and Kynlee Hardison. Not shown is Kennedy Harrell. 4-H sponsor Lisa Wiggins presented the awards.