When Matthew Manning heard about the Veterans Day activities taking place at Riley Elementary School, he knew he wanted to invite one of his students to join him there.
That decision led to a happy conversation between Manning and Riley fourth grader Zora over doughnuts and orange juice in the school cafeteria.
Manning, a veteran, teaches instrumental music classes at Riley during the school day. Manning was the guest speaker at Riley’s 2023 ceremony, and he wanted to continue participating in this year’s event.
“Zora’s my bass player, and I thought it would be good to invite her to come today,” Manning said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for her.”
Zora smiled when asked what her reaction was when she learned Manning had chosen her.
“It felt good,” Zora said.
Riley was one of multiple Lincoln Public Schools sites to hold Veterans Day ceremonies over a three-day span. Preschool, elementary, middle and high school students took part in assemblies, speeches and hallways parades on Friday, Monday and Tuesday.
Students and staff at several buildings also contributed photos of family members who either have served or are currently serving in the military. The schools mounted them on display walls for students to look at during the week.
Alissa Cookston has been teaching at Riley for 14 years and organized the school’s Veterans Day program. Her husband is a service member and joined her in the cafeteria for the pre-assembly breakfast. She said it was exciting to have community members join students for both events.
“This day means a lot to everyone,” Cookston said. “We’re really happy to be able to have this at school today.”
Riley students Darien, Kennedy, Nora, Elizabeth, Eliana, Ruth and Nefetari began the assembly by reading facts about the various military branches. Thirty members of a school choir then sang “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the audience. The program concluded with a slideshow that featured pictures of veterans who have ties to Riley students.
Cookston told the Rams gathered in the gym that she was pleased with the way they listened and acted throughout the ceremony.
“I am so proud of Riley Elementary students right now,” Cookston said. “I’m happy with how calm and respectful you were.”
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!
