PRIDE AND REMEMBRANCE – United States flags were a plentiful sight Tuesday as Wise County joined the rest of the nation in observing Patriot Day, a day to remember those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
Police, firefighters and medics entered to cheers from the nearly 5,000 high school students in the district. Following the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence was observed to remember those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer was also on hand to talk to the students. He began by giving thanks to the first responders in attendance.
“It’s a great feeling to know you guys are protecting us on and off the racetrack,” Bowyer said.
He went on to talk about his time in high school and pursuing his dream of becoming a NASCAR driver.
During the question-and-answer portion of the event, one female Northwest High School student asked him, “Will you go to homecoming with me?”
“Is that allowed?” Bowyer responded, drawing laughs from the crowd.
The event ended with a little friendly competition between the three high schools in attendance – Northwest, Byron Nelson and James M. Steele Accelerated. In one activity, students from each school pushed a NASCAR with their principal behind the wheel down the track.
PRIDE AND REMEMBRANCE – Jeff Douglas, a Rhome police officer and school resource officer for the Northwest school district, was among several first responders honored at a ceremony Tuesday at the Texas Motor Speedway. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
SCHOOL SPIRIT – Northwest High School junior Mallory Goodman performs a tumbling routine prior to the start of Tuesday’s 9/11 ceremony at Texas Motor Speedway. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
LOOKING UP TO HEROES – Northwest freshman Maylee Gray looks up at a banner showing support for firefighters at Tuesday’s ceremony that honored local medics, police and fire departments serving communities in the Northwest school district. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
