News
November 16, 2016Brown School Ceremony Honored Local Veterans and Family Members
Brown School opened their doors to the community to honor both local veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces during a special ceremony. The school has been doing this for a number of years and it has become a very popular and touching event for the community as students sang patriotic songs and spoke with the veterans. Among those honored included: John and Karen McKenna whose son Captain John McKenna IV was killed in the line of duty and the Blue Star Mothers.
Brown School takes special care to prepare for the school-wide and community event which involves making veterans feel special and celebrated. They also have a meaningful fundraising element. Students raised money for an organization coined “Pets for Patriots” that pairs pets from local animal shelters with veterans. Students walked laps and for each one completed had the opportunity to throw their own coins into a bucket. This effort was also highlighted at the ceremony. “At Brown School we believe in our community and like to highlight veterans who have given so much to our nation. Our school community has adopted both veterans issues and animal welfare as causes we can stand behind. This is a meaningful time for our students, our staff and families. It’s about giving back,” said Patti Vitale who is head of the lower and middle school at Brown School.
Dr. David Hooks, the newly appointed head of The High School at Brown School, slated to open next school year, enjoyed participating in the event. “This is one of the many reasons I found Brown School to be such a great fit. It’s a warm community and one that really cares about others and helping them in ways that they can. The event is deeply touching and our children beautifully honored local veterans,” said Dr. David Hooks.
In addition, students in third through fifth grade worked on a special project featuring photos of some of the veterans.
Local veterans were invited to join the all-school assembly. Students were encouraged to bring veteran guests. Jonina Wilkins, a Brown School music educator, worked with the children for months leading up to the event to learn meaningful patriotic songs.
Brown School holds this community-wide event every year. “At Brown School we teach our students to be mindful of themselves within the community. We strive to have good relationships with those all around us. We are excited to connect our students with veterans and honor all they have done for our country,” said Vitale.
Veterans Day is an annual U.S. holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11th. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world.
