For the past few years, Lee County Public Schools have conducted an event dedicated to fostering a love of art and music while at the same time honoring those among us who deserve recognition our veterans, school officials say.

And that continues this year. Lee County schools will conduct the seventh Annual Pride and Patriotism: Youth Celebrating the Arts and Honoring Veterans. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 13350 Edison Parkway.

Students across the District have been preparing entries in art and poetry contests with the top three in each level being honored during the evening event. Along with the hundreds of students across the District who participate in the art and poetry contest, the event also features the Southwest Florida Youth Symphony, which performs the musical selections for the festivities, according to school officials.

What truly sets this event apart from other art and poetry contest, they said, is the connection with the local veteran population and the use of Pride and Patriotism as the theme. During the evening event, veterans play an important role and help us honor the students for their work.