Event gives pupils chance to display their patriotism

Many Columbia County children will show their patriotism during Veterans Day celebrations.

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Each year, American Pride Through Education coordinates a monthlong effort dedicated to educating area children on what "Proud to be an American" means.

On Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., pupils from eight Columbia County schools will perform at the patriotic event at the First Baptist Church of Augusta.

The schools involved are Riverside, Blue Ridge, Westmont and Lewiston elementary schools; Harlem Middle School; and Evans, Greenbrier and Lakeside high schools.

"The event focuses on the themes of citizenship; freedom, patriotism and unity. The program is a celebration of all of those terms that go along with Proud to be an American," said Lisa Soloff, the director of elementary school learning in Columbia County.

Soloff said that among the eight schools, there will be about 500 pupils performing that night.

American Pride Through Education is made up of many retired teachers, community members and board members, Soloff said.

WRDW-TV News Channel 12 anchor Richard Rogers will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

"This year we focused on a poetry contest that will hopefully be read at the ceremony," Soloff said. "The poetry focuses on the same themes (freedom, patriotism and unity) for our middle schools."

The Columbia County Board of Education Web site helps get teachers and students involved in Veterans Day and the Proud to be an American event.

"We want the students to realize we are blessed to be free and to make our own choices," Soloff said.