The Pulaski County School Board opened its Nov. 11 meeting with a moment of silence for former Draper district representative Lewis Temple Pratt Jr., who was remembered by a presenter as a longtime farmer, livestock industry leader and the board’s chairman from 1996 to 1999.

The board chair asked attendees to observe a moment of silence after the presenter summarized Pratt’s life and community service, noting he was born Dec. 3, 1948, and died Nov. 7, 2025. “His life was deeply rooted in his faith,” the presenter said.

The chair also noted that the meeting fell on Veterans Day and said the board was “immensely grateful” for local veterans’ service. The chair urged members to strive to uphold “integrity, responsibility, accountability, and the enduring promise of liberty” in their work.

A Pulaski County Public Schools representative introduced Kaylin Hurst, a fourth-grader at Kreiser Elementary School, who led the Pledge of Allegiance. The district also used the opening to recognize staff: Tanya Quisenberry was named the district’s 2025 employee of the month, described as a paraprofessional who “always puts others first” and who “has a very special way of making every student feel seen, supported, and valued.”

Jessica Barlow was recognized as the district’s 2025 teacher of the month for her work as a second-grade teacher and for building classroom communities that emphasize hands-on learning and inclusion, the district representative said.

The board also named Adler, a senior at Pulaski County High School, as November’s senior of the month for academic achievement and character. The district said Adler plans to attend New River Community College through the ACE program to pursue studies aimed at becoming a physical therapist.

The meeting’s opening concluded with remarks about the Virginia School Board Association’s annual recognition program and related professional development milestones for board members.

No formal votes or policy decisions occurred during the opening recognitions portion of the meeting; the board proceeded from memorial and ceremonial items into the regular agenda.