CRESTVIEW — Northwood Arts and Science Academy fifth-graders Andrea Barnhill, Ben Williams, Allison Fordyce and Emma Bofinger take their roles as honor guardsmen seriously.
“Only a few people get selected,” Emma said.
Every school day, they carefully raise the American flag in front of their school under the watchful eye and, when necessary, instruction of Deputy Ike Kenty, the school resource officer.
But Monday morning, raising Old Glory was even more special. It marked the start of the 100th day of the Okaloosa County School District’s 100th anniversary.
And the flag was special, too. It had flown over the United States capitol in Washington, D.C., and was accompanied by a proclamation by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller recognizing the district’s centennial.
Every school in the district received a flag that had flown over the capitol and a copy of Miller’s proclamation.
While each school’s flag-raising ceremony was different and some were more elaborate than others — the Choctawhatchee High School ROTC honor guard formed a sword arch for Principal Cindy Gates to pass under — each was meaningful
“It’s cool!” Andrea said. “It’s special to me because my dad is a police officer and many in my family are in the military.”
For Allison, her participation continues a family tradition.
“My mom was an honor guard at school, too,” she said.
“Everybody did something,” district spokesman Henry Kelley said. “We’re proud of our schools and our kids.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa students celebrate 100th day, 100th year of school (VIDEO)