Chillicothe City School District’s Post

We had a very powerful and moving Black History Month assembly at our 7-12 building this morning. One of our students, Ben Yandila, opened the assembly by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, we were joined by Chillicothe High School alumnus Ric McConnell, who performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—the Black National Anthem. Stella Ngalle delivered a beautiful reading of the poem “To Our Beloved Youth” by John Killens. Our keynote speaker for this year’s assembly was another highly accomplished Chillicothe High School alumnus, Mr. Garin Veris. Mr. Veris attended Stanford University after an impressive athletic and academic career at Chillicothe High School. Not only did he play on Stanford’s collegiate football team, but he also pursued a degree in political science. After his time at Stanford, Garin played as a defensive end for the New England Patriots, even competing in Super Bowl XX. Veris later returned to Chillicothe High School as our athletic director from 2011 to 2012. We were honored to have Mr. Veris speak with our students today. It also happens to be his birthday, so be sure to wish him a great one! We enjoyed additional performances and poetry readings throughout the assembly, including Zion Vanhoose’s performance of “The Blind Ploughman” by Robert Clarke, a reading of “Human Family” by Maya Angelou from Student Council President Mason Brown, a special musical performance by Ric McConnell, and a piano performance of “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin from Ethan Morris.