Santa Rosa students provide Province patriotic tribute

Santa Rosa Elementary third graders raised their voices in song Wednesday morning in a patriotic tribute to Province residents, especially veterans.

The concert, held at the Province Town Hall, featured students from three classes at the school. Third grade teachers Melissa Getskow, Natalie Johnson and Mike Russoniello accompanied their students to the performance.

Under the direction of music instructor Joanne Matibag, the students sang six patriotic numbers during their ‘Americans We’ program. The final two songs, Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” and George Cohan’s “You’re a Grand Old Flag” provided an opportunity for a sing-a-long with members of the audience.

During that portion of the program, Matibag asked veterans to stand. Students presented them with laminated red hearts, displaying an American flag on the front and a personal message of thanks and gratitude from the individual student on the back.

Matibag and Santa Rosa PTO Vice President Lisa Cannon created the hearts that students wore around their necks and used as props during the performance.

The third graders’ choral salute received a standing ovation from Province residents, who were invited to meet the students and chat with them following the program.

“We appreciate the opportunity to be here and share our music with our neighbors across the street,” said Matibag.

Photos by Joyce Hollis