“Oh Say, Can You Sing?”

Third grade students have been busy rehearsing for their upcoming performance of the national anthem.

The talents of Meyersdale Area Elementary School third grade students will be on display for the 2024 “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” performance on September 20.

Students will be singing our national anthem prior to the football game against Tussey Mountain. Mrs. Danyelle Burkholder, third grade teacher, said this performance is an extension of what she and the other third grade teachers enjoy each day.

“Each morning, at school, our students sing the national anthem before reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and each day they blow us away with their great ability to sing,” she explained. “We are so excited to share those talents with the crowd at the September 20 football game.”

Miss Labrina Ritchey, music teacher and choir director, said she is thrilled to help with this special performance and is excited to help showcase the talents of these youngsters.

“I am excited that Mrs. Burkholder and the 3rd grade teachers wanted to include their students in singing the national anthem. This will most likely be the first choral performance for many of these kids. I believe it is a great stepping stone into our music program,” Ritchey added. “I hope this becomes a very special memory for the kids and their families.”

“In our classroom, I place much emphasis on singing the national anthem and saying the Pledge of Allegiance with respect. I always remind them to stand tall, place your hand on your heart and sing with pride. By starting their day singing the national anthem, it sets them up for their day at school. It is my hope that they gain respect for their country as well as respect for themselves in doing these daily tasks with pride and finding the self-motivation to persevere through hard tasks,” Burkholder explained. “When students witness their hard work during school pay off in an event where people are coming to see them, I believe they begin to feel empowered and supported by not just their parents, but by their school and community families as well.”