The Ohio High School Athletic Association encouraged all Ohio high schools to take part in a statewide Military Appreciation Night on Jan. 20 to honor active and veteran United States Armed Forces members at athletic contests.
Fayetteville-Perry’s High School students took full advantage of the event at it’s Friday night Fayetteville-Perry Rockets versus the Whiteoak Wildcats basketball game.
The Military Appreciation Night at Fayetteville-Perry High School was coordinated by the school’s athletic director Ryan Briggs.
“It was a great evening for everyone who attended the game Friday night,” Briggs said. “We honored the current military members and veterans by calling them down to the gym floor and having them stand to hear the high school band play the military medleys for all branches of the military.
“Following the military medley the band played the National Anthem and asked all in attendance to sing loud and proud.”
Briggs said each of the veterans were asked to step forward as their military branch was called.
“As each branch was called, those standing received a standing ovation from the crowd,” Briggs said. “Each one was also thanked for their service to our country.”
Jerry Snodgrass, assistant commissioner with OHSAA released a press release on this event.
“Education-based athletics in the state of Ohio are far more than winning and losing,” Snodgrass said. “High school athletics encompass everyone. They are a school and community event.
“This entire school involvement helps develop student leaders on the courts and fields of play as well as in the classrooms and student groups that support their teams. This initiative is designed to emphasize these great student leaders in our schools and their support for our military.”