Students celebrate National Anthem Day

For the first time, local schools in Marion County collaborated in a program celebrating the national anthem.

By: Naeem Mcfadden | SCNOW
Published: September 22, 2009

Over 600 elementary school students from Marion School District’s One and Two flooded the C.D. Joyner Auditorium with American flags waving and singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Marion Intermediate School and McCormick Elementary School participated in the event.

Music instructor Cleve Dorsey organized the Sept. 14 National Anthem Day program held in Marion as bus loads of students along with law enforcement and National Guardsmen took the stage in association with the National Anthem Project.

The Nation Organization will recognize all Schools participating in the campaign as All-American Schools and it’s sponsors, Dorsey said.

After weeks of preparation, Dorsey said he was thrilled with the event and the numerous performances provide through song and kinds words.

City of Marion Mayor Rodney Berry welcomed the students and the Marion High School JROTC presented the flags.

Student participants included soloist Hailey Sawyer and tributes read by Olivia Vyge and Sammie Querubin.

The event also feature musical performances from Dorsey, Kim King and soloist Sara Carroll.

King is a church choir director and vocal instructor, while Carroll is a Vocal Performance graduate from Charleston Southern University with a teaching background in voice and piano.

Dorsey is a Marion native that attended Charleston Southern University on a full piano scholarship majoring in Music Education. The instructor has eight years of experience teaching in public and private schools and is a co-owner and instructor at Crescendo Music Academy in downtown Marion. A member of various clubs and associations, Dorsey puts in a great deal of time helping local students thrive artistically and is also a an accomplished singer and choreographer.

Local music instructor and National Anthem Day program organizer Cleve Dorsey speaks to a crowd of 600 elementary school students as soloist Hailey Sawyer prepares to perform.

Over 600 students from Marion and Mullins elementary schools wave American Flags, celebrating National Anthem Day at C.D. Joyner Auditorium.