Superintendent Derek Briggs welcomes students, staff, and legion members to the first day of school and the Flag Raising Ceremony.
Superintendent Derek Briggs addressed those in attendance at the Friday, Aug. 22 ceremony.
Students and staff gathered at the front of the school to commemorate the start of the first day of school.
Legion members and students stand and salute the American flag as it was raised to mark the start of the new school year.
Members of the Akron-Westfield student body take part in the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the annual ceremony.
Members of the Akron-Westfield marching band took part in the program as they played the Star Spangled Banner and the school song.
American Legion Commander and shared A-W and West Sioux Transportation Director Jason Jager serves as the speaker of this year’s Flag Raising Ceremony.
American Legion Post 186 members salute the flag as the band plays the Star Spangled Banner.
The American Flag is raised by Akron-Westfield seniors Peyton VanderHelm, Reegan McKee, and Callie Jager.
Akron-Westfield seniors Peyton VanderHelm, Reegan McKee, and Callie Jager, who raised the flag, stand with their hands over their hearts as the Star Spangled Banner plays in the background.
It was a picturesque morning on Friday, Aug. 22, as Akron-Westfield students headed back to the classroom for the 2025-2026 school year. As is tradition at A-W the school year began with the Flag Raising Ceremony.

A salute to the new school year

Akron American Legion Post 186 members were present for the first day of school on Friday, Aug. 22 to welcome back students for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. At the beginning of the school day, the students and staff gathered on the front lawn for the annual Flag Raising Ceremony to celebrate the start of the new year. (Photos by Kim Fickett

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