BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — What students thought was a typical day at their gymnasium for a certain Warren County High School, turned into a recognition for teachers, students and veterans.
“For those seniors that will make a decision to join the military after graduation, let me say now, thank you for your decision to serve this country,” said U.S. Air Force veteran, Major Denise Michele Tolbert.
The ceremony is for the awarding of the Kentucky Purple Star, an award which recognizes schools that show a major commitment to serving military connected students and families by providing them educational skills necessary to be college, workforce and life ready.
Life Skills Prevention Center Prevention Specialist Alli Turner said, “Deployment is dangerous and this program honors that. But this program honors that, and works to set up protective factors so we don’t feel so isolated on our journey.”
Greenwood High School is the first Warren County School to receive the Purple Star.
The school received a plaque and was honored by the school band playing them out. Students, city officials and local veterans attended the ceremony. The veterans received a standing ovation. Veterans Chip Whittamore served in the U.S. Army and attended the ceremony.
He said, “It is great that the younger generation shows appreciation. The major who was speaking talked {about} losing friends overseas. That was difficult and emotional, but it showed the students how fortunate we are.”
Tolbert challenged the students and emphasized what she deemed the most important five words to say to any veteran.
Tolbert said, “Thank you for your service. It’s a small gesture. It doesn’t cost anything, but to the veterans, it’s a priceless gesture.”