Celebrating Veteran's Day started out with a bang when a squirrel once again set off a transformer on Sunday afternoon, causing the school to operate on emergency lighting Monday morning. But that didn't stop the festivities to honor our local Veterans. Veterans were welcomed by student council members and beautifully decorated hallways. The students did not disappoint with the amazing Veterans Day posters hanging in the halls for the annual Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest. Many Veterans gathered in the Distict Meeting Room for breakfast and enjoy conversation with staff, students, and community members. Veterans enjoyed visiting classrooms to share their experiences in the military and answered questions about their active duty.
Our Veterans Day Assembly was a beautiful tribute to our local Vets. The High School Fife and Drum Corp kicked off the assembly with a historic call to our patriotism and the audience enjoyed our Middle School band, choirs, and High School select choir perform patriotic numbers throughout the afternoon. Our Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Tom Whalen, a 5th grade teacher and Army Veteran led the assembly as he announced the winners of the poster and essay contest, paid tribute to our recent graduates serving in the military, and shared what it means to serve our country.
State Representative, David Maloney, presented the Brandywine Heights Patriot Award to Mr. Larry Werst, who has been committed to keeping history alive at the Topton Museum and being a valued member of the Topton Community.
Our Veterans Day essay winners were Kayde Clouser, Gabrielle Czumbil, Scott Ervin, Bonnie Zhu, and Savannah Robinson. Their winning essays were read at the assembly and everyone in attendance enjoyed hearing these young voices show their appreciation for the freedoms we have today because of the brave men and women who serve in our military.
Our Veterans Day poster contest winners were Payton Turner, Avery DeMichael, Mia Vaccaro, Bonnie Zhu, Mia Caruso, and Jade Beck. America the Beautiful was the theme and these poster entries embodied the beauty of our nation in unique and creative ways.
Our Veterans Day celebration can not be held without the amazing Veterans who we honor each year for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you to all veterans for inspiring our students and reminding us of the true meaning of service.