Bailey Academy to honor 3 veterans

Oct. 26--DANVILLE -- Kenneth D. Bailey Academy will honor three veterans next month by placing their names on the school's Wall of Honor.

This year's recipients of the Wall of Honor recognition are the late Frank Atwood, nominated by the Atwood family; former Commercial-News Sports Editor Fowler Connell, nominated by Mike Hulvey; and the Rev. Frank McCullough, nominated by Kimberly Norton.

The honorees will receive a keepsake plaque during an all-school assembly and dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Bailey Academy, 502 E. Main St.

The three veterans who were selected this year will be recognized by the Bailey Academy's speech students who will read the biographies of this year's inductees, and a student, who will be selected through an audition process, will sing the National Anthem.

"We're trying to get students engaged in the assembly a bit more," Principal Mitzi Campbell said.

Also during the dedication ceremony the Maj. Kenneth D. Bailey Detachment 824 of the Marine Corps League will present the flags.

The Wall of Honor program has been a tradition at the alternative school for several years.

Earlier this year, the school recognized three individuals in May, which is when the DHS Salute to Veterans concert used to take place. The date of the concert was changed to Nov. 12 this year to better coincide with Veterans Day. In addition to being honored the morning of Nov. 12 at Bailey Academy, the three veterans' names also will be mentioned during the concert at the high school.

Campbell said the ceremony and Wall of Honor gives students an opportunity to recognize local individuals who have provided "extensive volunteer efforts in our community."

"It gives our students local role models, local heroes, who have served our nation and served our community," Campbell said.

The veterans were chosen by a committee made up of District 118 administrators, teachers and community members based on criteria such as demonstrating strong community values and having exemplary military service.

Atwood, Connell and McCullough each will have a plaque with his photo and information along the side of it hung on the Wall of Honor inside the school on East Main Street. The school's print shop students are involved with laying out the design for the plaques.

The Wall of Honor is located opposite the Kenneth D. Bailey mural, which recognizes the military valor and honor of Major Kenneth D. Bailey bestowed upon him during his service to the country.

Each honoree will have a plaque with his or her photo and information along the side of it hung on the Wall of Honor inside of the school. That way, future generations will understand the pride and respect the county feels for its heroes. The honored veteran also will receive a smaller version of the plaque to take home.

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