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SUDAN VETERANS DAY PROGRAM - US Army Aviation Chief Warrant Officer20, Mariah Steinbock, was the guest speaker for the Sudan Veterans Day Program on Thursday, Nov. 10th. Steinbock is a Sudan graduate of the Class of 2022. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
On Thursday, November 10, 2022, the Sudan Independent School District and residents of Sudan honored their veterans at the Sudan School Auditorium. The Sudan Student Council was in charge of the memorial service.
Guests and honorees were welcomed by Kyndal Edwards, STUCO President, and asked to stand for the presentation and pledges to the flags of Texas and the United States of America as the Sudan Honor Guard brought the flags to center stage. Eddie Estrada and Case Cantu then performed Taps.
The program continued as Julian Azua, STUCO Vice President, led the Pledge to the United States Flag and then the Texas Flag.
Coach Sanders presented the National Anthem followed by the reading of the Presidential Proclamation by Braelyn Pointer, Student Council Secretary.
Blessy Montes, STUCO reporter, then introduced a video tribute to the Veterans of the Sudan area. Each candle on the stage commemorated “the dedication and sacrifice the men and women have so graciously given, allowing the flames of freedom to enlighten our hearts by the footprints they have left on our nation. The Freedom flames symbolize each of our Veterans who have served and passed on before us.” After a moment of silence the video honoring Sudan area veterans was presented.
Kyndal Edwards then introduced the guest speaker for the event US Army Aviation Chief Warrant Officer 2O, Mariah Steinbock.
Mariah Steinbock graduated from Sudan High School in 2011. During her tenure at Sudan High School, she was part of the 2009 State Championship Basketball Team and also competed at State One Act Play and she was a State Champion pole vaulter in 2009 and 2011.
She continued her Track and Field career at McMurry University. She was a NCCAA National Champion in Pole Vaulting and was named to the 2015 8 Track and Field team by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
She graduated Suma Cum Laude with a degree in Kinesiology and minored in Curriculum and Instruction.
Upon graduation, she was appointed McMurry’s Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach. Upon learning that she could go into officers school because she had a degree, she seriously considered enlisting in the US Army.
With a servant’s heart foremost in mind, she joined the United States Army to become a helicopter pilot. She is an Honor Graduate from the US Army Aviation of Excellence in Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steinbock is currently flying the UH-60 Sikorsky Blackhawk with her unit at Fort Hood.
Drew Carr introduced a video presentation of Veteran’s Day Tribute featuring Ronald Reagan. He stated. “Veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share several qualities of courage, pride, determination, selflessness, and dedication to duty and integrity.
Blessy Montes and Braelyn Pointer then presented the awards to the winners of the school’s coloring and essay contests.
Pre-K: 3rd place Bentlee Wilson, 2nd place Nela Reimer, 1st place Lucas Patterson.
Kindergarten: 3rd Regina Quezada, 2nd Benjamin Arredondo, 1st Joseph Lizama.
First Grade: 3rd Breyanna Guitron, 2nd Emery Lloyd, 1st Kinley Provence 1 Second Grade: 3rd Ranger Smith, 2nd Gabby Sanchez, 1stMia Venzor Third Grade: 3rd Anna Danzeizen, 2nd Anahi Medrano, 1st Jastin Hernandez Fourth Grade: 3rd Kyndal Provence, 2nd Zylie Sanders, 1st Lynnlee Brashear The First place winners were invited to read their essays. The 6th grade winner was Kevin Perez. Second place was Lily Garza and third place was Jacelyn Acevedo.
For the 7th Grade, Bryan Jasso won 1st place, second place was Caden Edens and third place was Dylan Provence.
The memorial ended with the playing of Beau Davidson’s official music video “Blessed.”
Following the Veterans Day Memorial a reception was hosted by the school for all the veterans and their families in attendance.