Members of the Tri-City American Legion Post #513, which serves New Brighton, Columbia Heights and St. Anthony, presented the colors at a Veterans Day assembly at St. Anthony Middle School on Nov. 11. PHOTO BY WENDY WEBSTER, DISTRICT 282 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

During a Veterans Day assembly last week, St. Anthony Middle School celebrated those who have served our country and recognized a teacher who has made a difference in the lives of her students.

Principal Shirley Gregoire told Sun Focus the purpose of the assembly was to honor military veterans and to help students better understand and appreciate what Veterans Day is about.

Students, faculty and staff gathered in the auditorium on Nov. 11 where members of the Tri-City American Legion Post #513 presented the colors.

The eighth-grade band performed "The Star Spangled Banner" and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

"[Veterans] have given up much and they care deeply about our country," said Gregoire. "They have helped our country always live with peace and the freedom that we have."

Seventh-grader Alanna Ault and sixth-grader Tyler Stieren each read an essay they wrote about veterans and the importance of honoring them.

A moment of silence to honor veterans was observed during a slide show presentation.

Afterward, the Legion members retired the colors and band teacher Chris Ravndal performed Taps.

Another part of the assembly involved a surprise recognition of a teacher.

It was announced that sixth-grade language arts teacher Mindy Gerard was selected as a 2008 Teacher of the Year by the Wal-Mart Foundation.

Don Hanson, general manager at the Wal-Mart in St. Anthony, joined Gerard on stage and presented her with a certificate of recognition.

Gerard also received a gift card for $100 through the Wal-Mart Foundation to buy supplies for her classroom, and a check for $1,000 was presented to the school.

"She is very dear to all of us," sixth-grade social studies teacher Ginny Kagol said of Gerard. "She connects with all of you, and she adds so much to everything she does in her teaching."

Kagol also said Gerard "goes the extra mile" and "continues to work very very hard as a teacher."

Bobby Henderson, an eighth-grade student, also spoke at the assembly.

"Miss Gerard is one of those teachers who can cheer you up when you're down," he said.

Henderson recited a quote he found on the Internet, which states: "Nine-tenths of education is encouragement."

"This is what Miss Gerard is all about," he said. "Congratulations and thanks for being a wonderful teacher."

"I love what I do," said Gerard after being recognized as a top teacher. "I love working here and being with all of you every day.

"I share all of this great stuff with you guys. Thank you to whoever nominated me and to Wal-Mart for all the goodies they gave us."

Gregoire told Sun Focus: "Mindy is a very caring teacher who all the kids respect. She has a magical way of teaching kids so that they love learning."

"She is very dear to all of us," sixth-grade social studies teacher Ginny Kagol said of Gerard. "She connects with all of you, and she adds so much to everything she does in her teaching."

Kagol also said Gerard "goes the extra mile" and "continues to work very very hard as a teacher."

Bobby Henderson, an eighth-grade student, also spoke at the assembly.

"Miss Gerard is one of those teachers who can cheer you up when you're down," he said.

Henderson recited a quote he found on the Internet, which states: "Nine-tenths of education is encouragement."

"This is what Miss Gerard is all about," he said. "Congratulations and thanks for being a wonderful teacher."

"I love what I do," said Gerard after being recognized as a top teacher. "I love working here and being with all of you every day.

"I share all of this great stuff with you guys. Thank you to whoever nominated me and to Wal-Mart for all the goodies they gave us."

Gregoire told Sun Focus: "Mindy is a very caring teacher who all the kids respect. She has a magical way of teaching kids so that they love learning."