Molalla Pioneer Online

Colton Corner for Nov. 18, 2009: Veterans honored in CHS ceremony

• By: Cindy Fama  
• Published: 11/18/2009 5:13:28 PM

Photo By: Cindy FamaCHS Veterans Day program
Students present veterans with origami cranes, symbolizing honor and loyalty, during the Veterans Day program held at Colton High School. The freshman class organized the event and made the cranes.

Veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Gulf War and the War in Iraq were honored guests at Colton High School for a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 10.

The freshman class, under the guidance of CHS social studies teacher Tori Hazelton, put together an assembly that included a stirring rendition of “Armed Forces on Parade,” performed by the CHS band and directed by Bobby Rice; the national anthem sung by the CHS choir and directed by Alan Bruner; and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by the school’s student body and guests.

An introduction of the honored guests was followed by a touching vignette entitled “My Grandfather’s Apple Pie” that brought home the camaraderie built in wartime.

A POW/MIA Table Ceremony preceded a moment of silent remembrance.

Keynote speaker Ed Van Dyke of the Department of Veterans Affairs told an audience of rapt high school students about the difficulties that follow military personnel into civilian life.

The assembly ended with a special presentation of origami cranes to the attending veterans. The cranes were made by the freshman class to symbolize honor and loyalty, the qualities the students thought best represented their guests.

“It was a very special day,” said honored guest Ellen Thronson, who served as a nurse in the Navy during World War II.

“It made us realize that our veterans came back from serving and left so much behind in battle. They deserve our respect every day, not just once a year,” said freshman James Landreth.

Colton School Board vacancy
Jarred Lundstrom ran a write-in campaign for Colton School District Board of Directors position two in the May 2009 election. He won his second term to the seat but has been missing in action for the past four meetings.

At the Oct.12 meeting the board declared a vacancy, contingent on another attempt to contact Lundstrom via telephone, registered letter and e-mail.

At the school board meeting held Nov. 9, Colton School District superintendent Linda Johnson stated that she had been unable to reach Lundstrom.

The board passed a motion 4-0 to begin the process of announcing the vacancy and accepting applications for the position.

The district office is mailing postcards to all addresses within the Colton School District and running a public announcement in the Molalla Pioneer for three editions to publicize the vacancy.

All registered voters who reside within the district’s boundaries and who want to be considered for a two-year appointment need to apply by Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Applications are available at the district office at 30429 S. Grays Hill Road and at each school. They can be requested by calling 503-824-3535 or downloaded at www.colton.k12.or.us/. 
 
The board will interview eligible applicants for the position on Dec. 14.

The person selected will hold office until May 2011, when he or she may run in open election for a new four-year term. There are five members on the Colton School District Governing Board.

An attempt to reach Lundstrom for comment via voice mail was not returned prior to this column’s deadline.

Cardboard containers needed
Colton Aid Network (CAN) needs donations of cardboard boxes to hold food for Thanksgiving meal deliveries.

They need to be a size that is easily manageable for delivery.

“Most boxes will go into trunks or the back seats of cars, so they can’t be too big. They also need to hold produce, turkeys, milk, eggs, margarine and canned food. We expect it to take two or more boxes to hold the food for a family,” said CAN president Geri Fraijo.

If you have boxes that can be used for this charitable occasion, please call 503-824-4151.

Food and monetary donations for Colton families who need help stretching their budgets during the holidays can be made at the Colton Fire Department or Coltontel.

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