MACA honors firemen and EMA during 9/11 ceremony

In back: Eddie Hopkins, Darrell Payne, Lonnie Oliver; Students shaking hands: Kyle Huneycutt, Jonathan Hemby, Steven Vecchio, Carly Murphy, Lauren Smith.

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001, Mountain Area Christian Academy presented a flag made and signed by the faculty and students to the EMA and Firefighters in Fannin County. Mr. Steven Clagg, Administrator of the school, led the short but poignant program. Students recited pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible.

As the students and faculty surrounded the men present, Mr. Clagg prayed for those present, for the families of the victims of 9-11, and the school. Those present from the EMA and Fire Department were: Lonnie Oliver, Director of EMA, Darrell Payne, Deputy EMA and EMS Director, Larry Thomas, Fire Chief, Rick Gazaway, Fireman, and Eddie Hopkins, Fireman. As the participants listed, Mr. Clagg expressed appreciation to ALL firefighters for their courage in dangerous situations. Miss Carla Baldwin, First Grade Teacher, and Mrs. Joan Jantti, Second Grade Teacher, then presented the flag to the firefighters. The men expressed their gratitude to the students and faculty for their thoughtfulness in remembering this solemn occasion.