Veterans enjoy lunch, program at TFHS

A Thompson Falls High School hosted a luncheon for local veterans on Friday, November 11. Community veteran and substitute teacher Mike Bruse served as emcee for the event, which included more than 25 veterans and their families.

"There was a good turn out," Bruse said. "I wish there would have been just a couple younger veterans that showed up."

The luncheon began with the high school and junior high band's performance of the national anthem with director Brittany Nichols. Bruse then provided a welcome speech before lunch was served. The school's lunch staff prepared spaghetti, a salad, and rolls served to attendees by high school students Candace Manuel, Chesney Lowe, Bethany Burk, Zack Stanley, Luca Mathieu, Cella Vanhuss and Rowan Ackley.

The gym was set up and decorated by some staff and students with a thank you banner, posters of all military branches, student-made thank you cards, various coloring pages and a video by some of the elementary school choir kids, directed by Lisa Mickelson. All the veterans were asked to stand up and introduce themselves one by one, sharing stories about the time they served as well. Afterward, the high school students who attended the luncheon had the opportunity to eat and visit with the veterans and listen to their stories.

"The lunch was cool and it was very interesting to listen to their stories. It was more open than any of the other ones I've been to," high school student and attendee Brody Cummings said. The veterans and their families were asked to take home any of the art work or thank you cards they wanted on their way out.