Munson Elementary School’s annual Veterans Week traditions were once again an inspiring success, creating engaging opportunities for young Hilltoppers to learn about the importance of honoring veterans...
Munson Elementary Veterans Week
Munson Elementary School’s annual Veterans Week traditions were once again an inspiring success, creating engaging opportunities for young Hilltoppers to learn about the importance of honoring veterans. They also learned how they as students can make a difference both now and throughout their lives via service projects, including penny wars, collectively raising $2,300 for local veterans charities; raising funds for Disabled American Veterans; and contributing to DeJohn Funeral Homes’ Stockings for Soldiers initiative.
New this year was the field of American flags decorating the school’s property with each student partaking in the placement of a flag.
On Veterans Day, the school hosted Judge John Eklund of the 11th District Court of Appeals of Ohio. Eklund led the school assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave an inspiring presentation about the importance of serving as a community role model.
Eklund then introduced the assembly speakers: Robert Mormile, U.S. Army (retired); Steve Szeredy, U.S. Army (retired); F. Jason Arotin, U.S. Navy senior chief machinery repairman information warfare (active); Marcus Schott, U.S. Navy (retired); William (Chris) O’Dell, U.S. Navy hospital corpsman third class (retired); Richard Selfridge, U.S. Army E-6 (retired); Joel Ovanic, U.S. Army E sergeant first class (retired); and Erik Hanson, U.S. Army sergeant (retired).
Each of the speakers, many of whom are parents and grandparents of the students, generously gave of their time, sharing their military experiences at an age-appropriate, relatable level and readily expressing messages of motivation and inspiration. Students also learned examples of specialties in the military, including engineering, mechanics, emergency medical service and much more.
Veterans Week is made possible both by the dedication of the school’s long-running Veterans Day committee of teachers and support staff, which is a group led by educational assistant Rose Romans, and by the generosity of students’ families.
G-TV live-streamed the event, which may be accessed through the on-demand tab at geaugatv.org.
