Maddie Wisdom was back for another Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 10 at Montgomery County High School.

Just six months after graduating from MCHS, Wisdom was one of 39 military members who were honored during a 30-minute ceremony at Ballew & Snell Court. She is serving in the U.S. Army and will attend the University of Northwestern Ohio in January.

“It’s surreal,” Wisdom said. “I love being here and being surrounded by all of these veterans because that’s going to be me one day. Now, I’m here and being active.”

Before the ceremony, a breakfast was held at the MCHS cafeteria for the military members. There were 36 retired veterans and three active members – including Wisdom – in attendance. U.S. flags were handed out to all of the members.

The ceremony included speeches from MCHS Principal Brian Ernst, seniors Morgan Koch, Malia Rodgers and El Reagan and juniors Avery Ridgley and Beckham Cothren and performances from the MCHS Honors Choir and Band.

“We come together not just to mark a day on the calendar, but to acknowledge the profound debt of gratitude we owe to you, our heroes,” Ernst said.

Sam Cobb, who served in the Army from 1966-67, said he enjoyed being part of the ceremony.

“It was great,” he said. “The principal did a great job.”

Bob Schuette, who served in the Army from 1964-66, said he was happy to see his granddaughter – Koch – speak at the ceremony.

“Morgan does a nice job just like the rest of the people,” Schuette said.

Last year, Wisdom attended a Veterans Day ceremony that included her senior classmates Gunner Sexton and Matthew Nelson. All three of them attended boot camps during the summer.

Wisdom said she was influenced by MCHS junior Atlanta Kobusch to come to this year’s ceremony.

“That’s my best friend,” Wisdom said. “We talk every day.”

Wisdom graduated from MCHS on May 19. She said she really missed being a student at the school.

“As much as I wanted to get out of here while I was here, I wanted to be back,” Wisdom said. “I took it for granted.”

Now, she’s ready to head east to Ohio.

“It’s going to be even colder up there than it is here, but it’s worth it,” Wisdom said.

Wellsville-Middletown High School and Montgomery City Elementary School also held Veterans Day ceremonies on Nov. 10. Montgomery County Middle School and Jonesburg Elementary School held their Veterans Day ceremonies the day before.