Dignitaries standing behind the veterans memorial plaque are, from left, BG Schools Supt. Laura Hammack, Lt. Col. M. Amy Hoover, Madison West, Brian Garman, Janis King, Brian Downard, Jill Laker, Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman, April Rinks, and Tara Wolf.
​(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)

By Al Stilley
Editor

More than 100 patrons and special guests joined in the dedication ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Plaza recently at the entrance to Beech Grove High School’s Everwise Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Significantly dedicated during our USA’s  250th celebration as a free nation, the memorial plaza features American and military flags. A memorial plaque also was unveiled in front of distinguished guests, attendees, and members of the BGHS band and JROTC. Many early fans of BGHS’ first home game of the 2026 football season paused for the ceremony on their way into the stadium.

“This memorial has been established to honor the men and women who have served in defense of our nation—those who answered the call to duty in times of peace and in times of conflict,” stated U.S. Army Sgt. Major (ret.) James Thornberry who supervises the BGHS JROTC. “It stands as a lasting tribute to their courage, their selfless service, and their unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves.

“It also serves as a reminder to future generations of the sacrifices made to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today—and of the responsibility we all share to protect and uphold the values these courageous individuals defended.

“May every student who passes this memorial understand that freedom is not merely inherited. It is preserved through courage, strengthened through service, and entrusted to each new generation.”

The dedication ceremony opened with the posting of the colors by the BGHS JROTC Color Guard, the placing of a memorial wreath by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the National Anthem performed by BGHS soloist Rose Shomali and invocation by Pastor Dan Bailey.

Veteran and Beech Grove City Councilman Mike Earnest recognized military veterans in attendance. BGHS Alumni Association president David Wright explained the organization’s support of the Veterans Memorial Plaza.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Amy Hoover, Indiana National Guard public affairs director and commander of the 776th Brigade Engineer Battalion, was the featured speaker. Lt. Col. Hoover, a Purdue University graduate, served during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a horizontal engineer platoon leader on several construction projects.

Beech Grove Schools Supt. Laura Hammack provided the welcome to attendees and stated, “A memorial such as this is built of brick, stone, and metal—but its true meaning comes from the lives and sacrifices it represents. It tells every veteran who enters this stadium that we see you, we remember you, and we are grateful to you.

“It also carries an important message for our students. Education is not only about preparing young people for careers or further study. It is also about preparing them to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who understand that freedom carries both privileges and responsibilities.”

The BGHS band performed “America the Beautiful” before the memorial plaque was formally unveiled by school board president Janis King.

The plaque reads: “Dedicated to the countless men and women of the Beech Grove Community who, through bravery and sacrifice, have defended the Constitution of the United States of America and protected the people and property of this great nation. Your devotion and heroism will forever remain in our hearts and in our prayers. We humbly thank all who have served and those who continue to serve in defense of our freedom.”
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The ceremony on August 21 concluded with the benediction by Pastor Bailey and retiring of the colors by the BGHS JROTC.

Serving as master of ceremonies, U.S. Army Sgt. Major (ret.) James Thornberry salutes during dedication ceremony.

Construction is now underway on Perry Township Schools’ $30 million entrepreneurship and innovation center following a ground-breaking ceremony at the University of Indianapolis by Perry Township Schools dignitaries Dr. Patrick Spray, Jane Pollard, Jeff Spencer, Kent Hatcher and Jon Romine.   
​(PHOTOS COURTESY OF PERRY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS)                 

The center is made possible by the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc. The historic program marks the first of its kind in the state of Indiana-offering students at both Perry Meridian and Southport high schools a career connected learning experience in business, innovation and entrepreneurship on a university campus. Students are taking courses taught by Perry Township Schools educators, with opportunities to work alongside industry professionals and engage in real-world, project-based learning.

​The 52,000 square feet, state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed by the start of the 2028 school year. The center will feature four cutting edge studios equipped for design, prototyping and business development, along with four fully outfitted classrooms. Additional spaces will include makerspaces, co-working offices, instructional studios and a pitch area designed to mirror professional work environments. The program began this fall in a temporary location at Martin Hall on campus.