Marion Cross students perform a song in honor of a Marion Cross staff member at a special assembly.

Good afternoon Norwich and the Upper Valley residents, and readers,

On the last day of school before the Xmas/ Holiday break, principal Shawn Gonyaw held a special school assembly to honor a member of the Marion Cross staff who has been very instrumental in making quilts for veterans. The principal invited members of the American Legion Post # 8 here in Norwich to attend the ceremony and a certificate of appreciation and a bouquet of flowers were presented to Donna Stearns. The students sang a song for the occasion and below is a photo essay of the award ceremony. Photo credits for this story belong to Demo Sofronas and Emily Myers

Marion Cross school students anxiously awaiting the start of the show.

Principal Shawn Gonyaw making introductions and announcing the afternoon program.

American Legion past commander Jim Harlow introduces Donna Stearns

and explains to the audience the work that Donna has done on these veteran quilts.

Here is one that was made for Emily Myers. (Gary De Gasta and Emily presenting the quilt).

Jim Harlow presents Donna with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of appreciation award from the Department of Vermont American Legion headquarters, as our commander Jeff Goodrich looks on approvingly.

Donna accepting the flowers and certificate

And a round of applause from the legion members as Ted, Donna’s husband looks on

(photo taken by Emily Myers).

Two empty seats are for the presenter who is returning to his seat and a photographer who took this photo.

Donna and her husband Ted

Wishing you a very merry Christmas/Holiday season and very happy and healthy New Year.

Demo Sofronas for about Norwich

Thanks for reading and supporting my newsletter about Norwich.

Why not give that perfect gift for the holidays… a gift subscription to my newsletter.

If someone you know has moved away from the area and still would like to keep in touch with what happens in and around town or should I say out and about Norwich, this is a great way of doing that.