Avon Old Farms to Honor Fallen Alumnus Veteran

From Avon Old Farms School

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, the Avon Old Farms School community will come together to honor Class of 2002 alumnus CPT. Andrew Pedersen-Keel. “PK,” as he was known by teachers, friends, and family, was killed in action while serving as a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) during his deployment in Afghanistan in March of 2013.

This ceremony will recognize the special significance of Veterans Day. The school will celebrate and remember those who have served our country in the Armed Forces, including retired veterans from Avon VFW Post 3272 who will distribute 500 poppies to members of the student body, faculty, and guests. Headmaster Ken LaRocque and Dean Henry E. Flanagan Jr. will discuss the important history of Veteran’s Day, as well as the symbolism of the red poppy.

Although this extraordinary young man was taken far too soon, PK’s short life was spent working hard and giving back to his community, modeling the core values he learned at Avon. Head Football Coach Emeritus Kevin Driscoll ’72, who coached and mentored PK through all four of his years as an Avon student, will talk about PK’s life as a young boy who became a true Man of Avon before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point following his 2002 graduation. The event will continue with several USMA Cadets, also graduates of Avon Old Farms, sharing their experiences of Cadet Field Training, during which yearlings compete for the honor of earning the coveted Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel Memorial Award. This award is given to the platoon leader who best exemplifies Army values and the concept of officership during cadet summer training known as Task Force Pedersen-Keel.

PK’s room in Diogenes dormitory will be dedicated in his honor, and his parents will receive a commemorative plaque. The Riddlers, Avon’s elite student singing group, will close the ceremony with a performance of the national anthem. Veterans and guests will join PK’s family for breakfast, hosted in the Commons Room.