St. Mary's celebrates American heroes

The military is a special organization that requires a serious commitment, said Army Col. John Butler (retired), who knows something about that.

The guest speaker at St. Mary Help of Christians School's "American Heroes" musical program Friday, Butler spent 38 years in active and National Guard service. He has two sons at St. Mary, and eighth-grader Jay proudly introduced his dad.

Military services, Butler said, means "one is called away from loved ones to hard conditions. So many are in combat today, fighting the enemies of freedom. This is what makes the military special."

The military was an adventure, said Butler, taking him to parts of Europe and Asia. He got to travel around the world and visit and experience other cultures and a different way of life. During his active duty, he was never called to serve in combat, and Butler has tremendous respect for those who have. It's important, he told the students and their families, to honor those who never return home or have returned with serious injuries that will impact the rest of their lives.

The theme of "America's Heroes" was intended to tie into all those whose work involves helping others. Butler asked law enforcement officers and others involved in government agencies to stand and be recognized.

"There is no greater calling than public service," he said. "We're here to honor all those agencies, too."

St. Mary Director Peggy Wertz praised the students' performances, along with the efforts of music director Andrea Lutz, art teacher Karen Stoner and physical education instructor Jim Paczynski, who provided sound and accompanying music. Lutz, a former public school music teacher, is retiring after four years at St. Mary, although she will continue to work with the choir.

"She made a big impact here," said Wertz.

Student instrumental accompanists and soloists, as well as speakers, included Mary Therese Thomas, Patrick Judd, Lauren Davis, Reid DeMass, Ashlee Kay, Lizzy Lubnow, Evan Cook, Carter Wertz, Daniel Zaremba, Ashlee Kay, Connor Lanigan, Liz Stout and Mark Tisler.

Dancers for the "Betsy Ross Can Can" were Nina Adams, Megan Allison, Savinia Patheja, Sarah Supan, Catherine Pullan, Laura Valdes, Ciera Carter, Annie Schwenker, Anna Lipscomb and Chloe Kaplan.

Performers on the "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" selection were Jenny Duran, Clare Henry, Sarah Supan, Megan Visotski, Natalie Gorensek, Ally Weddle and Liz Stout.

The "Yankee Doodle Boy" performers were Ernesto Barquet, David Stoner, Connor Lanigan, Patrick Judd, Jay Butler, Devin McDermott and Carter Wertz.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.