Portland High Hosts Veterans Day Program

The Portland High School Social Studies Department held its second annual Veterans Day Program on Thursday. This year's program presenters were Portland School District Teachers who are Veterans.

The program opened with a history of Veterans Day video followed by a welcome address given by Michelle Stotler, the Social Studies Department Head. Portland High School students, Tyler Anderson and Jason Lesick, both members of the Civil Air Patrol, presented the colors as Portland High School sophomore Megan Errichetti sang the National Anthem.

The four panel presenters joined moderator James Stotler on stage to explain, discuss and enlighten the students on their military experiences. Tim O'Connell, a Portland High School Social Studies and French teacher spoke about his experiences as an MP in Europe and his time in basic training. Kathleen Burke, a Valley View Elementary School kindergarten teacher, spoke about her memories of being a black and white photographer for the U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., during the Vietnam Era. In addition, she spoke about the Veterans activities she is still involved with in Portland. Steve Davis, a Techinal Education teacher at Portland Middle School, informed the students about his time as a hospital corpsman in the Navy and even a memory of performing CPR to save the life of a Master Chief Petty Officer aboard a ship. Bob Hayes, also a Portland Middle School Technical Education teacher, and the only Veteran drafted, told the students that even though he was drafted, it was a commitment he would surely make again. The moderator, high school teacher James Stotler, dressed in his U.S. Navy uniform and told the students that he joined after 9/11 and spoke of his tour in Iraq.

After the panel answered some general questions about their time in the military, the floor was open to student questions. Many hands were immediately raised asking about military officers, post-traumatic stress and their thoughts when they look at the American Flag. Emphasis was placed on the strength and confidence the military gave each of the Veterans. In addition to explaining to the students how public opinion of the military has changed from the Vietnam Era to today's world, Hayes and Blake told the students that they remember soldiers not receiving the warmest of receptions when returning home. Whereas, Stotler, who was deployed most recently, spoke about how grateful he was for the tremendous amount of support he received, not only from his family, but from the community.

The program ended with closing remarks by Michelle Stotler, informing the students that the Social Studies department will be collecting donations for the Connecticut Cookie Platoon, who send baked goods to soldiers serving overseas. Closing the program was a video about thanking a Veteran and the playing of Taps by Portland High School Senior Alex Kidd.

Preperation for the program began in the U.S. History classes and follow up will continue with students in the next few days. The U.S. History teachers plan to refer to the history discussed by the presenters in classes. The Berlin Wall, Kent State and Operation Iraqi freedom were among a few topics discussed.

The Department was thrilled at how well the program ran and grateful to the presenters for their time and efforts. It is hoped that students were left with an appreciation of Veterans Day and recognize that it is much more than just a day off from school.

The above article was submitted by Michelle Stotler, Social Studies Department Head.