School assemblies honor veterans, state-bound volleyball team

On a morning during which local veterans were honored, La Conner Schools staff employed military precision to blend two indoor student assemblies within 45-minutes.

A Veteran’s Day program keynoted by retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott Poulton, a Shelter Bay resident, meshed seamlessly into a sendoff ceremony for the state tournament bound high school volleyball team.

Students in grades K-12 entered Landy James Gym single file to designated seating areas Tuesday morning for the Veterans Day segment of the twin assemblies.. About a half-hour later, they lined the gymnasium floor and lower bleacher rows to greet the volleyball team’s players and coaches.

“It took a lot of coordination,” acknowledged science teacher Todd Hinderman.

Three-quarters of the gym’s seating area was filled when high school student body president Zaira Najera opened the proceedings.

“Veterans,” Najera said, asking a round of applause for those who have served, “should be celebrated every year.”

Najera had veterans in attendance stand and be recognized. She also asked those with veterans in their families or who know persons who have served in the military to stand. Very few in the large crowd remained seated.

“That’s a good percentage of us,” Najera noted.

Moments later, Najera called several students from the bleachers to read aloud the names of veterans from what she called “the La Conner family.”

Poulton, a member of that family, offered a strong endorsement for military service. He said it provided him the opportunity to develop valuable career and leadership skills, further his education, travel the world and make a positive impact for his country.

“A lot of people mentored me as I grew up,” related Poulton, “and then I had the chance to give something back.”

Poulton gave a brief history of Veterans Day and pointed out the difference between it and Memorial Day. Veterans Day, with origins in the armistice that ended World War I, recognizes all who served in the military. Memorial Day, he said by contrast, honors the memories of deceased veterans.

Modestly, Poulton, who retired just over a decade ago, said he gained more than what he gave from his lengthy service.

“I got more out of it than the Navy did,” he insisted.

Still, he served four tours in the Middle East, initially flying from NAS Whidbey to Kuwait to fly missions during the Iraq War. He also lost out on family time while deployed around the globe. One stretch lasting almost two years.

Poulton said he and his wife, Wendy, now have a 30-year-old son who serves as a U.S. Navy pilot.

“He’s probably headed to the China Sea right now,” Poulton said.

Coincidentally, the Poultons’ daughter, Abigail, is a member of the volleyball team that received a rousing sendoff.

The team and its coaches were introduced by Middle & High School Principal Christine Tripp. They later circled the gym to be greeted by students while the school pep band played local favorite “Louie, Louie” in the background.

The morning had begun with music as well – a group sing-along of the national anthem in anticipation of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.