On Tuesday Nov. 11, students, teachers and families gathered during a seminar to show their gratitude and honor veterans from the school community during the very first Veterans Day Assembly at the school.

The assembly was filled with many gestures to show how the school cares for Veterans Day. Such as having the choir open with the National Anthem, introducing each and every Veteran member at the assembly, having a memorial table and even providing handmade cards from elementary school students for veterans to take home as a token of appreciation. 

Behind all of these thoughtful actions, was senior Mallory Lux, who not only took on the initiative to create the assembly, but planned the entire event herself. 

“I just remember being in history class, and not even knowing it was Veterans day and wondering why we didn’t have anything at Mill Valley to recognize that [it was Veterans Day]” Lux said. 

Working alone definitely was not easy, Lux had various tasks. Such as working with principal Dr. Gail Holder to reach out to all the veterans, research what the assembly would look like and reach out to teachers for help.

“It was me and [senior Cru Akin] and Dr. Holder—that’s it,” Lux said. “So if I forgot something because I was in charge of everything, it was on me.”

While the planning was a lot Lux was happy that she was able to make it happen. 

“I’ve had a lot of teachers stop me in the hallway saying they’re proud, and I had a veteran reach out to me in an email saying how grateful that we did something like that. So that was really sweet,” Lux said. 

Many students and staff were especially proud to have their family members recognized that day. 

Junior Christian Amend whose dad, Christian Marcus Amend Sr. served in the Air Force for many years was content with his dads recognition during the assembly.  

“I loved that he was recognized for what he was, and I was proud, ” Amend said. “I love my dad. and he’s worked hard to get where he is today.”

For many families Veterans Day is a day that holds deep meaning for them. 

“Veterans Day means a lot to me because, of course, my dad and also a big part of my family is actually in the military, so it also makes me think about all the people [who have served],” Amend said.