The Recorder on November 13, 2025
FFA students carried the American flag and flags representing each branch of service.
MONTEREY — Highland County Public Schools invited the community to attend a Veterans Day celebration Tuesday, taking care to recognize all who have served.
School board chair Jason Wilfong, a veteran himself, opened the morning event.
“When you grow up here in Highland County, you understand the meaning of service,” Wilfong said. He noted the spirit of service drives the people who serve in the military and he encouraged students to learn from those who served.
“You honor our veterans not just with words, but with how you live your life,” Wilfong said. To the veterans, he said, “You remind us that patriotism isn’t about politics or parties, it’s about people.”
“Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is not free,” added superintendent Dr. James Nycum.
“Thank you for your service and for the example you show to all of us,” Nycum said to veterans.
High school principal Tim Good reminded everyone that Veterans Day began as Armistice Day.
Music teacher Chris Johnston plays taps during the Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday.
“We commemorate the end of World War I, the war to end all wars,” Good said. In 1954, the holiday expanded to Veterans Day to honor all veterans. “It is important to remember that a veteran’s service does not end when they return home,” Good said. He recognized families of those who served and their contributions and asked students to commit to supporting them.
Elementary school principal Tim Johnson introduced the guest speaker, Col. Alicia Masson, as a 32-year Army veteran who retired and moved to Highland County. Now she works as the third grade teacher at Highland Elementary School. Masson completed five tours of combat and earned many awards and commendations, including a Bronze Star.
“This is a special place, Highland,” Masson said. “Gratitude is as natural as the wind that cuts across the roads.”
Masson acknowledged the veterans in the crowd, telling students they represented “decades, centuries really, of service.”
Third grade teacher and Army veteran Col. Alicia Masson was the guest speaker. (Recorder photos by Tammy Minnigh)
She asked veterans not to belittle their service, no matter how long they served or in what capacity. “Your sacrifice continues to safeguard the future,” Masson said. “Do not discount your service, for what you did helped make our nation free.”
Masson said Highland has always sent its best when called to serve in the military. “Every hill, every ridge, every back road here holds a story of service,” she said.
Elementary students sang several songs, accompanied by the high school band and music teacher Chris Johnston. The FFA carried flags of each branch of service, the American flag and a wreath. Students also led the pledge of allegiance.
Masson thanked the students for their work to honor the veterans. “You make this community very, very proud,” she said.
The elementary school students sang several patriotic songs.