With a gathering of more than 1,300 students, faculty, staff, and invited guests, the annual Veterans Day Chapel at Mount Paran Christian School was a moving celebration of those who have served in the armed forces.
Assistant Head of School for Christian Life Steve Kyle opened with prayer before the veterans’ procession. The veterans were welcomed by rousing applause as the MPCS Upper School Chorus performed the Armed Forces Medley.
Students donned red, white, and blue attire, with the youngest seated on the floor, waving tiny American flags. An oversized American flag provided a patriotic backdrop to the festivities, with palpable excitement in the air for the only schoolwide chapel ceremony of the year.
Head of School Dr. Tim Wiens welcomed the guest speaker, Rob Swartwood, a 2001 graduate of the United States Military Academy. Commissioned as an Infantry officer in June 2001, Swartwood is a combat veteran with multiple overseas tours including service in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a tactical reconnaissance leader within Airborne and Ranger organizations, he was a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for combat leadership. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain in 2008 and graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2009. He is co-founder of consilium, a boutique corporate, M&A law firm representing small and middle market companies as transaction counsel. Swartwood is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Apex, a character development crucible for leaders of faith. During his speech, Swartwood offered an inspirational message of hope, faith, and love to the audience.
To conclude the special event, a slideshow of veterans connected to families at the school was shared. The event was also live-streamed for families to watch remotely.
About: Mount Paran Christian School, the largest private Christian school in Cobb County, is a non-denominational, college-preparatory school for students in preschool age three through grade 12. MPCS is committed to excellence in academics, award-winning arts, and championship athletics, all within a Christian environment with small class sizes. Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/Cognia) and located near Kennesaw Mountain on a 68-acre collegiate-like campus. Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in truth.
