Goshen Local Schools celebrated with our local veterans in many ways during the week of November 7-11. Our community and our schools have a long standing pride in serving our country and honoring those that do so. All four-school buildings held assemblies that paid special tribute to our local active duty members and veterans. Below is a recap of those events and a few pictures to highlight them.
MARR/COOK – Wednesday,
November 9 @ 9:30
Marr/Cook Elementary honored veterans during their Veterans Day assembly on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. Through songs, words, and a video students learned what a veteran is and how important they are to our country. Twenty-seven special veterans, from various branches of the military, were introduced during the program. Thank you to all of the veterans out there who have protected and served our country! If you have a chance to visit Marr/Cook, please check out our Veterans Day display and Wall of Fame.
SPAULDING ELEMENTARY – Thursday, November 10 @ 10:15
A school wide assembly was held in honor of Spaulding’s Veterans and active duty members. Students shared their appreciation for our service men and women through songs and stories. The assembly was topped off by a donation of an American Flag from Master Sergeant Penkoba's family. The flag was flown in honor of Spaulding Elementary on October 3, 2011 in Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Pekoba's wife and son were onhand to present the flag and a certificate in honor of their husband and father.
GOSHEN MIDDLE SCHOOL – Thursday, November 10 @ 7:30
GMS staff and students invited local Veterans (family or friends who have served) to attend a Veterans Day celebration GMS style. Veterans and active duty members arrived to coffee and bagels provided by The National Junior Honor Society. The program then moved to the school cafeteria where a panel discussion was planned for 6-8 grade Social Studies classes. Veterans had the opportunity to provide students first hand knowledge of the sacrifice they made to defend our freedom. During the assemblies many students read self-made poems and stories in effort to show their appreciation. Following the panel discussions veterans were presented a special certificate and then treated to a lunch by Mrs. Reichert, Mr. Baker and selected students and staff.
GOSHEN HIGH SCHOOL –
Thursday, November 10 @ 1:30
The High School finished up the week with an assembly of grand finale proportion. One local veteran Mr. Darrell Trace addressed the student body as one of the many Goshen Graduates that served his country. He reminded students of the sacrifices that men and women pay everyday for them to have freedom. Mr. Trace also reminded students how important education is and that many men and women from his generation had to forgo their final year of HS to enter the service.
High School Principal, Nancy Spears presented two honorary diplomas to community members Leo Ferguson and Dave Conley. Both of these men left HS to serve their country before being able to graduate. Mrs. Spears presented the men with cap, gown and an official Goshen High School diploma.