Brantley School held its first Fourth Grade Patriotic Program on April 29, presenting an event displaying honor for America and local veterans.

According to Regina Parker, a fourth-grade teacher at Brantley, the students performed songs, read a poem and honored two veterans — Brantley Police Chief Titus Averett and Kenny Jones — who are on staff at the school and had shared their experiences as military personnel during the classes’ studies of Alabama history. 

“It was a wonderful program featuring solos by 22 students,” Parker said. “This program provides the students a chance to perform at an early age in front of their peers. It builds self-confidence and patriotism in the hearts of our students.”

The Brantley School band directed by Kylie Blackstock, performed songs including “America the Beautiful,” “Grand Old Flag,” “This Land is Your Land,” and others while delighting guests, among whom were Rep. Chris Sells and members of the Crenshaw County Board of Education, with student readings of “America to Me” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Blackmon worked alongside Parker and fourth grade teacher Annslee Jeffcoat to coordinate the program.

“The program always moves me to tears,” Parker said. “It’s so touching.”

Funding for the program came through a $1,500 grant given by Melody Taylor with Guardian Credit Union.

“We would like to thank Guardian Credit Union for the grant to buy our costumes and music for our program,” Parker said at the event’s closing. “Thank you to Championship Trophy for donating our plaques.”