Century High Unites in Gratitude: Honoring Veterans with Heartfelt Tribute

Under a crisp November sky, all 1,200 Century High School students gathered around the flagpole to begin the school’s annual Veterans Day Assembly. With the majestic mountains serving as a backdrop, the ceremony began as members of the local police department respectfully lowered the American flag, folded it with care, and raised a new one in its place. As students Nathan H. and Brayden R. played “Taps,” the student body stood in complete silence — a powerful moment of reflection and gratitude.

Students then moved into the gym for the remainder of the assembly. After the National Anthem, sung beautifully and effortlessly by the Century Singers, and posting of the colors, student Hadlee B. introduced her uncle, Major Terrel Tovey, who served as the assembly’s keynote speaker. Major Tovey began by recognizing Century’s football team for their undefeated comeback season, drawing a thoughtful connection between their perseverance and the same grit and camaraderie shown by those who serve in the military.

“It’s really a privilege to have someone in my family who fought for our country,” Hadlee shared. “I’m super proud of him, and being able to bring him into my school to show everyone who I am and who my family is — it’s really special.”

Major Tovey’s impressive military career includes both command and operational roles, leading multiple Army engineer companies. He was deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in Iraq in 2005 and later in Jalalabad from 2010 to 2011. His unit cleared more than 22,000 kilometers of road, safely deactivated over 200 IEDs, and endured 85 detonations and numerous battles. His bravery earned him several distinguished honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Assistant Principal Ben Cody reflected on the importance of the event, saying, “This assembly helps our learners recognize the sacrifices that our veterans have made in order to allow them to live the lives they do. It gives them perspective — that mentality of grit, unity, and protecting each other is such an important message they can apply to their own lives.”

The Century band followed with a stirring medley of patriotic songs. Then, in a uniquely touching moment, the cheerleaders took the floor — not for a typical performance, but to read aloud the names of Century graduates that served or are currently serving in the military. As they read, teachers nodded and smiled, recalling former students with pride and emotion.

Among those recognized was the stepson of coach and teacher Troy Waters. “It just makes you proud of them,” Waters said. “It was really cool to hear.”

The cheerleaders then performed their traditional Veterans Day routine, set to “God Bless the USA,” a custom mix created by Kevin Heath, Utah resident and U.S. Navy veteran, who served during the Vietnam War. Heath’s music compilation includes authentic radio and media clips from the 9/11 tragedy, making the performance especially powerful and heartfelt.

Cheerleader Bentley R. shared, “I really liked how we honored them in a way that was meaningful to us by sharing our patriotic routine.”

Assistant Principal Cody added, “It was cool to see the reaction of the teachers when the cheerleaders read the names of our own graduates — they were really proud.”

The assembly was a heartfelt reminder of the bravery, resilience, and unity that define both our veterans and our school community — a day where students didn’t just learn about service and sacrifice, but truly felt it.