A group of Class of 2005 seniors made presentation and various choir ensembles sang patriotic songs such as "The Star Spangled Banner," "America," "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah," and "Proud to be an American."
They also gave the history of the red poppies worn each year to honor those who have served in the past eight wars and two conflicts in American history.
The students dedication a portion of the program to Hollis graduate Ginger Beth Earls. Earls suffered injuries from a car wreck in Oct. and passed away suddenly. She and her twin, Julie, grew up in the Hollis area, their mother retiring as a math teacher. She was married to Colby Earls and worked in Hospice at Jackson County Memorial Hospital, as well as at Colonial Manor II in Hollis. She devoted herself to taking care of children and the elderly and was very involved in her community.
This year's main speaker was Summer Cummins, a 2002 Hollis graduate.
Cummins is a junior at Oklahoma State University, where she studies political science and philosophy. She is active in student government and serves as a student senator for the College of Arts and Sciences.
She completed a 10-week internship in Washington, D.C. with Concerned Women for America.
She is presently involved in a yearlong research project on how religion has affected the presidencies of the first four and last four presidents.
Cummins told the students that each person makes an impact on the world, no matter if you're a garbage man or the president of the United States. Your job has an impact on everyone, she said.
"Life is like leaving footprints in the snow," Cummins told students. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cummins of Hollis.
The students read a list of soldiers from Harmon County who have served or are currently serving in Iraq, as well as a list of former residents who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms during all wars and conflicts of the past.
2004 Boys' and Girls' State delegates Jessica Robinson and Justin Fletcher gave attendees the highlights of Boys' and Girls' State programs funded by American Legions nationwide. Delegates are able to simulate city, county, state and federal elections and procedures and have the opportunity to interact with other students their same age during the process. Other Hollis delegates who attended during the summer were: Lindsey Dennis, Jessica Rodriguez, M'kenzie Crabb, Matt Banda, Ben Estes, Jacob Bogle and Jake Cary.
The program ended with trumpet soloists from the band playing "Taps."
The students thanked American Legion Posts 159 and 357 and the women's auxiliary for their support of so many programs such as Boys' and Girls' State.
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