Return of Kelley School Veterans Day Assembly Met with Lots of Enthusiasm ⭐

Kelley School’s return of its inspirational Veteran’s Day Assembly November 10th was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation.

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Beautifully planned by third grade teacher Alicia Marchionda and speech and language teacher Shelli Sutton, about 22 area veterans and active-duty service members sat in the front middle section of the auditorium with family members that included some Kelley School students.

There they had a full view of a slide show of area veterans, some of whom are deceased and active-duty service members.

The assembly opened with KS teacher assistant Jenna Tylor drumming followed by the presentation of colors by Jim Troch and Assistant Principal John DeFazio, who are both veterans. They were followed by the Fifth Grade Chorus, directed by KS vocal music teacher Leah Curran, leading everyone in the singing of the National Anthem.

KS Principal Christina Sullivan graciously welcomed everyone to the event.

“Welcome to Kelley School’s Veterans Day Assembly. It is so wonderful to see our students, staff, families, and special guests gathered today for such an important occasion,” she said.

“Today is a very special day at Kelley School because we have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces.

“To our veterans who are joining us today, especially those who are family members of our Kelley students, we want you to know how honored we are to have you here. You are our guests of honor, and today is all about YOU. On behalf of our entire Kelley School community, thank you for your courage, your commitment, your sacrifices, and your service to our country.

“We also want to take a special moment to recognize and celebrate two very important members of our own Kelley family, Mr. T and Mr. DeFazio, who have served our country. We are so proud to have you as part of our school community, and we are grateful for your service and for all that you continue to give to our students and staff each day. Gentlemen, today we celebrate YOU, and we thank you for your service!

“Veterans Day is more than just a day on the calendar. It is a day to remember that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day did not come without sacrifice. Because of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform, we are able to live in a country where we have the freedom to learn, to share our ideas, to make choices, and to dream about our futures.

“As students, you may not always think about what it means to serve our country. But today is a wonderful opportunity to learn that being a veteran means putting others before yourself, showing courage even when things are difficult, working as a team, and making a commitment to something bigger than yourself.

“I also want to take a moment to thank the many people who helped make today's assembly possible. To our wonderful Kelley staff, our Veterans Day committee members, and our talented high school chorus, thank you for your time, dedication, and hard work in helping us create such a meaningful celebration. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

“As we begin our program, let us remember that freedom is something we should never take for granted, and gratitude is something we should show not just today, but every day.

“To all our veterans, including our very own Mr. T and Mr. DeFazio: We see you, we honor you, and we thank you. Happy Veterans Day, and welcome to Kelley School!”

Next was the highly inspirational armed forces banner presentation by KS students as members of the Newark High School Combined Chorus sang “Armed Forces: The Pride of America!” NHS vocal music teacher, who directs the singers, was the piano accompanist.

After that a video was shown of a few students from each classroom at the grades 3-5 school reading what they wrote about “What Does Veterans Day Mean to Me.”

Then KS Assistant Principal DeFazio spoke.

“Good morning, students, teachers, staff, and honored veterans. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” he said.

“I served in the Army as a combat engineer from 1994 to 2001. My service is part of a long tradition in my family. I am proud to honor my Uncle Sam Valleriani and Uncle Angelo DeFazio, both Marine Corps veterans; my father, John Sr., a Navy submarine veteran; and my grandfathers and great-grandfathers who served in World War I and World War II.

“I also want to recognize our own Jim Troch, who served in the Air Force. Jim, thank you for your service. “To the veterans here with us today: thank you for answering the call to serve. We recognize the sacrifices you and your families have made, and the courage you have shown in some of the most stressful and dangerous circumstances imaginable. “We also honor the veterans who are family members of our students and staff. Your service matters, and we are grateful. “To our students, the freedoms and rights we enjoy give each of us the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Veterans have helped protect those freedoms here at home and have served in defense of freedom around the world. We honor them not only with our words, but by treating one another with dignity and making the most of the opportunities we have. “Today, we celebrate your bravery, resilience, passion, and unwavering patriotism. Thank you for serving what I believe is the greatest country in the world: the United States of America. “God bless our veterans, and God bless America.”

Not unlike previous years when these assemblies were held at Kelley School the high point was the inspirational, patriotic singing by students, staff and others attending “We Are Proud of Our Veterans” that ended with most everyone respectfully saluting the veterans and active-duty service members.

After the assembly, a reception was held in the foyer at which refreshments were available for all the invited guests and their family members who also received cards made by students.