On the Friday morning ahead of Veterans' Day, before the start of the school day, McDade ISD students and McDade community members gathered in the high school gym to celebrate their local veterans. The keynote speaker was Tim Williams, a former Marine and husband of principal Frances Williams. Williams recalled while he was in school, he realized he didn't have a plan after high school. He said serving in the Marine Corps was the best decision he ever made; it made him the person he is today, it taught him many lessons, and it gave him a bond with other veterans.