Schools
Grandparents and Special Friends Welcomed, Veterans Honored at St. Luke's School
St. Luke's 5th Graders and Grandparents enjoy a special day on the Hilltop
While most of the nation observes Grandparents Day in the month of September, St. Luke’s celebrates this special day in a unique way—by combining the annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day with our celebration of Veterans Day each November.
This year, more than 60 grandparents and special friends of fifth-graders made their way to the Hilltop on November 7. Our youngest students eagerly welcomed this opportunity to introduce their new school and observe Veteran’s Day with their special guests.
Hand-in-hand, fifth graders and their grandparents or special friends shared breakfast, met teachers and spent time in class where the honored guests learned what fifth grade at St. Luke’s is all about.
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Later, all guests gathered to hear the 5th Grade Chorus perform a spirited set of songs under the direction of music teacher Katie Kaplan. Guests also enjoy a warm welcome message from Head of Middle School, Gareth Fancher.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of St. Luke’s most-loved events because it gives our entire community the opportunity to acknowledge how important our elders are and how essential these relationships are to each child.
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The yearly celebration includes an All School assembly during which Head of School Mark Davis honors all grandparents and special friends, both those present and ones that weren’t able to attend.
Also, in celebration of Veterans Day, the military service of each veteran in attendance is recognized—one by one they stand as their name is read and as each receives a letter of thanks from St. Luke’s Support Our Soldiers Club. Included in this tribute is the service of two faculty members, Dave Havens (Navy) and Desiree Smock (Marine Corps).
Above all, Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one that will be long-remembered. Gareth Fancher thinks it’s one of the best days of the school year: “The students were thrilled to spend the day with their grandparents. It was so much fun for the kids, and the grandparents, too. We thank all of the grandparents for coming and the parent volunteers who helped make Grandparents’ Day such a great success.”
The day brought smiles, tears, and a deeper appreciation for our veterans and loved ones.
