Veterans Day Chapel

On Friday, November 11, 2022, CCS was honored to partner with families, alumni and our staff to honor the military service of their loved ones. Student ambassadors greeted guests and handed out the 2022 Roll of Honor while the photo slideshow honoring those who have served played in the East Gym.

The chapel opened with President, Dr. Jeff Potts, welcoming guests to this special event and speaking of the importance of remembering those who have served and are currently serving our country and how they truly exemplify "being the exception". After opening in prayer, Dr. Potts welcomed Dean of Students, Craig Cleveland, and representatives of the National Honor Society to the stage. Cayden Tate, Max Landrum, Trevor Davies and Lilyana Balderas led the attendees in pledges to our flags and the Bible. Our choir led the audience in singing the "The National Anthem" followed directly by our middle schools choir's patriotic rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Our honored speaker, Colonel Keven Matthews, was introduced by Director of Culture, Kris Hogan. Colonel Matthews is a native of Honolulu, Hawaii and recently retired after a 30-year career in the United States Marine Corps. Colonel Matthews challenged the students to know "who they are" and shared his experiences learning who he is through examples of honor, courage and commitment. Throughout the entirety of his speech, Colonel Matthews captivated the audience and everyone was lifted up by the challenge.

Backed up by a powerful custom video presentation, the high school choir paid respect to each of the service branches; beautifully singing the armed forces medley, while our ambassador council distributed a handmade gift and thank you cards to each veteran as a token of appreciation. Attempting to steal the show, our fourth, fifth and sixth-grade choir sang "Grand Old Flag" in perfect tune and delighted the audience by completing the tune on kazoos each had hidden behind their backs.

The event concluded with Dr. Ryan Berens thanking our veterans, our great speaker and our talented students and closing in an inspiring prayer.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a special morning where we could all say thank you to our veterans of the armed forces and to those who continue to serve our country. God bless our military and God bless America!

2022 Roll of Honor