Red, white, and blue filled Spencer Field as Wilson Hall honored the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s military during Military Appreciation Night. Held on September 11, the evening also marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks with a moving remembrance led by faculty member and retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel James Wilson. A color guard from Shaw Air Force Base presented the colors, Wyatt Moore offered the invocation in honor of his father, Lt. Col. Keith Moore of the S.C. Air National Guard, who is currently deployed, and retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant John F. Kennedy sang the National Anthem. The family of deployed S.C. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jake Bass participated in the coin toss, while veterans and active-duty service members in attendance were recognized with a standing round of applause. Thirty American flags on loan from the Sumter Museum surrounded the field, red, white, and blue balloon arches welcomed fans, and the crowd embraced the U.S.A. spirit theme by filling the stands in patriotic colors. With approximately 20% of Wilson Hall students connected to the military, the evening was especially meaningful to our school community. Coordinated by Mrs. Keegan Wilson, the patriotic celebration ended on another high note as the Barons defeated Thomas Sumter Academy 33-12.