Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.
– President Harry S. Truman
Veterans were honored throughout Neshannock Township School District. The halls were a sea of red, white, and blue as students and teachers — Grades PreK-12 — proudly displayed student work, handmade flags, art work, banners, essays, photos of veterans, and thank you letters. It was a remarkable sight to see and wonderful expression of gratitude to our veterans. Student gratitude for veterans continued into the weekend as several student groups and individuals participated in the Annual Veterans Day Parade throughout Downtown New Castle.
National Honor Society and Student Government organized the Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Program, on November 9, 2023, at the Jr./Sr. High School. Elena Noga, National Honor Society President, served as the host for this notable, student-run event. Numerous members of the student body played key roles:
The Presentation (and Retiring) of the Colors – Neshannock Honor Guard:
Kiely Eakin, Mia Perrino, Emily Shaffer, Roger Kwiat, Samuel Steele, and Eric Shaffer
The Pledge of Allegiance – Scouts BSA Troops 6733 and 743:
Kiely Eakin (Eagle Scout), Emily Shaffer, Eric Shaffer, and Samuel Steele
The National Anthem – Neshannock High School Choir Senior Ensemble:
NHS Women’s Chamber Choir
Juliana Medure, National Honor Society Treasurer and Senior Class President, provided the history of Veterans Day to audience members before Aleena Frengel, National Honor Society Junior Representative and Student Government Secretary, introduced our guest of honor, Major Jeffry Sink – US Army Retired Reserve. Major Sink delivered a phenomenal message to our student body and esteemed guests. He touched upon how his faith helped guide him as a leader. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Gretchen, for the unending support and sacrifices made at home as he fulfilled his calling for our nation. Major Sink talked about the importance having of emotional intelligence, building shared experiences, listening, demonstrating empathy, and establishing trust in order to create significant changes as a leader.
Click here to read the complete biography of Major Jeffrey Sink
Upon the conclusion of Major Sink’s message, Lexie Dombrosky, National Honor Society Secretary, shared the history of the red poppy as members of National Honor Society and Peer Leadership passed out handmade poppies to each veteran in attendance.
The appreciation program continued with Juliana Medure delivering the history of “Taps.” National Honor Society Vice President and Student Government President Chloe Maalouf then led a moment of silence before Ethan Tanyel and Ryuu Chua played “Taps.” Elena Noga delivered the closing remarks as Chloe Maalouf provided the musical postlude.
Veterans and their family members were treated to casual reception with refreshments following the assembly. It was wonderful to see our students and faculty members interacting with the veterans in attendance.
On behalf of everyone at Neshannock Township School District, we extend our sincere gratitude to National Honor Society (Mrs. DeVincentis) and Student Government (Miss Welker and Mrs. Hiler) for hosting such a wonderful appreciation program for our veterans. We would also like to thank Mr. Viggiano, Mrs. Sheridan, Mr. Micsky, Peer Leadership, Computer Graphics Class, and the Community Art Club for their efforts to make this event so special. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Gene Apgar and Marine Corps League Ships Store for the donation of the American flag, gloves, and flag storage case for the program.
We are forever grateful to all members of the Armed Forces — past and present — for their brave, selfless service to the United States of America.
