Attendance at this year’s Kelley School tribute to area veterans, servicemen and servicewomen Nov. 9 reached an all time high.
Approximately 125 veterans and active duty military personnel attended.
Attendance swelled to the point that both the cafeteria and auditorium were packed. In fact, more tables had to be added in the cafeteria as more and more guests arrived to eat breakfast with children related to them.
“We’re happy to see so many coming each year,’’ Principal Teresa Prinzi said with a smile as she helped serve the honored guests eating breakfast with students related to them.
Hearty breakfasts of pancakes, sausage, fruit cups, juice, coffee or tea were eaten by guests at tables patriotically-decorated for the occasion.
After the breakfast, a moving assembly followed at which Prinzi welcomed all the honored guests and then:
• A video, featuring some Kelley School students expressing what Veteran’s Day means to them — and which was produced by Becky Hauf — was shown.
• NHS senior Hannah Rothpearl sang “The Star Spangled Banner.’’
• A moment of silence was observed.
• Prinzi read the stirring account on the meaning of “Taps” and then NHS senior Veronica Hamilton and Kellie Bundschuh, a junior, played it on their trumpets.
• A patriotic video honoring veterans, active-duty servicemen and women; POWs and MIAs; and those who gave their life in the service of their country was shown by Prinzi
• Each branch of service was recognized by the playing of their theme songs and then Kelley School student government members presented flags representing each branch of service.
• Five heartfelt essays about veterans and defenders of freedom were read by third grader Gabby Taylor who read third grader Trent Horton’s essay since he was unable to attend; third grader Johnny Jensen, fourth grader Kristy Sulkowsi; and fifth graders Brendan Briggs and Francesca Clements. Their essays were among others submitted by students that were included in packets given to each guest.
• A donation of nearly $50 raised by Kristin Nardozzi’s class who made and sold yellow ribbons at the school was presented by fifth grader Coty Coon and third grader Selena Deon to a veteran representing both the Newark American Legion and VFW.
The assembly ended with the stirring rendition of “ We Are Proud of Our Veterans” sung by all the children. Directed by band teacher Cindy Briggs, the singing concluded with the children saluting the honored guests.
Prinzi made some closing remarks and invited all honorees to attend a brief reception in the foyer.
Attendance at this year’s Kelley School tribute to area veterans, servicemen and servicewomen Nov. 9 reached an all time high.
Approximately 125 veterans and active duty military personnel attended.
Attendance swelled to the point that both the cafeteria and auditorium were packed. In fact, more tables had to be added in the cafeteria as more and more guests arrived to eat breakfast with children related to them.
“We’re happy to see so many coming each year,’’ Principal Teresa Prinzi said with a smile as she helped serve the honored guests eating breakfast with students related to them.
Hearty breakfasts of pancakes, sausage, fruit cups, juice, coffee or tea were eaten by guests at tables patriotically-decorated for the occasion.
After the breakfast, a moving assembly followed at which Prinzi welcomed all the honored guests and then:
• A video, featuring some Kelley School students expressing what Veteran’s Day means to them — and which was produced by Becky Hauf — was shown.
• NHS senior Hannah Rothpearl sang “The Star Spangled Banner.’’
• A moment of silence was observed.
• Prinzi read the stirring account on the meaning of “Taps” and then NHS senior Veronica Hamilton and Kellie Bundschuh, a junior, played it on their trumpets.
• A patriotic video honoring veterans, active-duty servicemen and women; POWs and MIAs; and those who gave their life in the service of their country was shown by Prinzi
• Each branch of service was recognized by the playing of their theme songs and then Kelley School student government members presented flags representing each branch of service.
• Five heartfelt essays about veterans and defenders of freedom were read by third grader Gabby Taylor who read third grader Trent Horton’s essay since he was unable to attend; third grader Johnny Jensen, fourth grader Kristy Sulkowsi; and fifth graders Brendan Briggs and Francesca Clements. Their essays were among others submitted by students that were included in packets given to each guest.
• A donation of nearly $50 raised by Kristin Nardozzi’s class who made and sold yellow ribbons at the school was presented by fifth grader Coty Coon and third grader Selena Deon to a veteran representing both the Newark American Legion and VFW.
The assembly ended with the stirring rendition of “ We Are Proud of Our Veterans” sung by all the children. Directed by band teacher Cindy Briggs, the singing concluded with the children saluting the honored guests.
Prinzi made some closing remarks and invited all honorees to attend a brief reception in the foyer.
Later, the Kelley School Principal commented on what a memorable event the Veteran’s Day Salute had been
“When I first came to Kelley school, everyone talked about how incredible the annual Veteran's Day program is each year and how it pulls on their heart strings and makes them cry,’’ she said. “Now I’ve experienced it first hand. The emotion shared by the servicemen and women, veterans, families, staff and students is almost tangible. It is a day that brings families, old friends and new friends together. I was truly humbled by this awe-inspiring day at Kelley School.”
Watch the ceremony at www.newarknhs.com/?739Nav=|&NodeID=1261.
