For many, Memorial Day marks the start of summer and a long weekend to spend with family and friends. But the real meaning of Memorial Day is much more than all that. Memorial Day is the most somber of holidays for Americans. It is a day to remember and honor those service men and women who paid the ultimate price and died while serving in active duty for this country.

Four Middle School choir students recently participated in the middle school solo and ensemble contest and each received a 1 rating - the top rating given. The students earning the top honors are Emmersen DeVries, Luke Hinton, Michael Sager-Wissner and Thea Zellmer. In addition to the solo and ensemble contest, the 7th and 8th-grade choirs performed recently at the State Festival. Choir Director Laura Oprea said both choirs performed very well and were part of excellent clinics with a judge. Although no scores are awarded for middle school students, the festival provides excellent feedback and experience for the students.

A Thornapple Kellogg Middle School student will have his essay entered in the National Elks Grand Lodge Americanism writing competition. In addition, two other TKMS students had their essays for the same contest win at the local and district levels and moved on to state.

It's not often you hear seventh-graders talking about racial profiling, the pros and cons of video gaming or debating border wall security effectiveness. But those were just some of the hot-button topics students chose for their argument/advocacy "Take a Stand" speeches.

Both the 7th and 8th-grade middle school choirs received top ratings at the recent choir festival. Both choirs scored very high and received excellent scores in sight reading as well as performance. Their top ratings make them eligible to be part of the state festival, May 1-3. Both choirs are directed by Laura Oprea.