In The News: Navy Rock Band will entertain at NHS

School will host Military Appreciation Night at 7 p.m. May 20

When the opportunity to host the U.S. Navy Rock Band presented itself, Newberg High School principal Mark Risen jumped on the opportunity to incorporate it into his effort to build a positive and celebratory culture in the building.

It was, therefore, a simple decision for Risen to plan a Military Appreciation Night around the appearance of the Navy’s official rock ‘n roll band.

So not only will NHS host the Navy Rock Band at 7 p.m. May 20, but it will also honor the 12 seniors who have enlisted in the military or Coast Guard, as well as any current or former military members who would like to be involved.

“The recruiters tell me that we have the highest enlistee rate per capita in the greater Portland area, which was part of my motivation when I heard the rock band was coming,” Risen said. “It was perfect so we could tell our kids, ‘Good luck. We’re proud of you. Thanks for your service.’ And we could recognize veterans, too.”

Risen has hosted similar events in the past, including a large event at Henley High School, which is just down the road from Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls.

While Risen was principal, Henley hosted a military appreciation night, the centerpiece of which was honoring a student, Chance Rogers, who had wanted to be a soldier before he died of cancer.

In addition to a fellow student starting a scholarship fund in Rogers’ name, Risen reached out to leadership at Kingsley, who made him an honorary member of their Air Force squadron and presented his mother with a plaque at the event, which drew a large number of current and former military members from the nearby base.

While Newberg’s event won’t quite be on the same scale, it will offer an opportunity to recognize the current NHS students who have already chosen to enlist.

That list includes: Zachary Babcock and Matthew Cooley, who have signed up for the Air Force; Rebecca Sinner and James Ward, who have enlisted in the Army; Tim Lane and Chayse Sattler, who will serve in the Coast Guard; Marine Corps enlistees Austin Smith, Eric Davis and Edgar Correa; and Navy pledges Aric Cole, Travis Mattoon and Sean Thrasher.

Enlisting in military service is in the “20” portion of the state’s 40-40-20 goal and Risen has expanded the school’s college board, which lists where seniors will attend college, to include military service, as well as humanitarian service and other post-high school paths like work force programs.

“If you do the awards night with all the scholarship stuff for seniors that are college bound, it’s trying to find those other ways that we’re recognizing the senior with what else they’re doing besides going to college,” Risen said. “A lot of them are doing cool things.”

The school is inviting current and former members of the military in the area to attend the event. Those interested are asked to make reservations by calling Ramona Mangelsdorf at calling 503-554-4400, emailing hermangelsdorf@newberg.k12.or.us or stopping by the NHS Career Center. Those that make reservations will also receive preferred seating.

Written by: Seth Gordon