HJHS eighth grade students Livvie Smith, Ashton Johnson and Emily Cowart, from left, are mailing invitations and making stars for the Wall of Fame in preparation for their school’s annual Veterans Day Celebration. | Clif Knight

Preparations are in full swing for Hartselle Junior High School’s annual Veterans Day Celebration, Thur., Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. at the J.C. Pettey Center.

Students met with a group of veterans last week to query them about their military service experiences and take notes for writing essays on the subject “What Veterans Mean to Me.”

Three essays from the eighth grade class and two from the seventh grade class will be selected to be read aloud by their authors at the celebration.

On Monday, students were preparing invitations for mail to veterans and making star cutouts for the Wall of Fame.

“Earlier, we collected names and addresses of veterans that are relatives and friends of faculty members and students,” said Leah Roden, program coordinator. “Those veterans will be receiving invitations later this week. However, our celebration for all who have served as well as any active duty military personnel who may have the opportunity to come.”

“Our students are excited and looking forward to greeting our veterans and presenting a program of heartfelt appreciation for their service to our country.” Roden pointed out.

“The program will feature performances by the school band and chorus.”

Frank Parker, retired principal and Alabama Army National Guard officer and former principal, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Veterans are being asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. and park in the Pettey Center parking lot. From there, they will be escorted to the Lizzie Reed Penn Library where they will remain until time to start the program.