Memorial Day Observance Program @ Central High School

Name: Memorial Day Observance Program @ Central High School
Start: 2026-05-22T09:20:00-05:00
Location: La Crosse Central High School

Schedule

Fri, 22 May, 2026 at 09:20 am

UTC-05:00

Location

La Crosse Central High School | La Crosse, WI

La Crosse Central High School will proudly host its 104th annual Memorial Day Observance Program on Friday, May 22, at 9:20 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of Central High School, on the Losey Boulevard side of the building.
Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. At Central, it’s also an opportunity to teach students the value of remembrance and civic responsibility.
“By understanding the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who laid down their lives to protect our nation, we instill in the next generation a profound sense of gratitude, empathy, and respect,” said Central High School Principal Jeff Axness. “Memorial Day education for high school students fosters a deep appreciation for our past and shapes their future as responsible citizens.”
This year’s program will feature the Central High School Color Guard and Flag Corps, with musical performances by the Robed Choir, Band, and Chamber Orchestra.
Keynote speaker Jennifer Schmaltz is a La Crosse native and Central High School alumna who dedicated more than two decades of service to the United States Army Nurse Corps. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Viterbo University, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 1994 and began her career as an Army Nurse.
Throughout her military service, she held a wide range of leadership roles, including staff nurse, nurse manager, educator, and multiple Head Nurse positions in both Combat Support Hospitals and Medical Centers. Her career reflects a deep commitment to patient care, leadership, and service to others.
She retired from active duty in 2018 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Central’s Memorial Day tradition began in 1923 and continues to be a powerful experience for students and the community alike. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the nation’s longest-running high school Memorial Day observance,” said Axness.
The School District of La Crosse invites community members to join students and staff for this special event. Together, we honor the fallen and help pass their legacy on to future generations.