BRAVE Students to Honor Veterans

When students started brainstorming about a name for Cheshire High School's newest after-school club, they wanted something catchy, but also meaningful.

They decided on BRAVE, which is not only an acronym for what the club is about (Bringing Remembrance to All Veterans Everywhere), but also aptly describes the courageous men and women who have served.

"We're just really happy that we have an official name now," said senior Jack Senft. Senft has coordinated student volunteers in the past on school events recognizing veterans, but there was never an official club until now.

Last year's reception for World War II veterans during the student production of South Pacific and Cheshire's hosting of Connecticut's first Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day inspired then-freshmen Allie Otlowski, Liam Nicoll and Kelsey Butler-Waitkus to launch the club.

"We thought that there were a ton of things that would work better if we had an organized group," said Nicoll, now a sophomore. They approached Social Studies Chair Ralph Zingarella, who has been active in veterans' issues, and he agreed to help.

"All I am is the advisor. They have the passion," said Zingarella, who teaches a class on the Vietnam War. "For kids this young to be able to have an understanding of what our military men and women do and have done, it amazes me."

BRAVE is believed to be the first formal high school club in the state focusing solely on veterans. And with as many as 70 students signing up, it could be among Cheshire High School's largest.

"We don't want people getting the wrong message," said Otlowski. "We don't want war. We just want people to have respect for veterans who did serve for us."

Editor's note: Part 2 of about the new BRAVE club will be posted Thursday.