Keheley Students Honor Veterans

Keheley Elementary School students and staff members honored U.S. veterans this week with a variety of special activities and events.  

“We have a number of students who have a parent or grandparent who now serves in the military, or has served in year’s past,” said Liz Jackson, principal. “We feel it’s important to honor these members of our students’ families, and also to emphasize to all of our students the importance of the contributions that veterans have made to our country.”  

As part of its salute to veterans, Keheley Elementary, family members, and the school’s community committee hosted Veterans Day family lunches on Nov. 8 and 9. Keheley’s cafeteria staff prepared the traditional turkey and dressing holiday meal. Fourth and fifth grade students made a banner and table decorations for the luncheon.

The Keheley PTA assisted with welcoming families, decorating the tables, and paying for the meals of Keheley family members who are veterans. Many other students’ family members also joined the students for lunch.  

“Our school, family, and community committee work hard to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and fostering all stakeholders’ involvement in our school community,” said Annette Simpson, gifted education teacher. “For Veterans Day, our committee wanted to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who, in defense of our freedom, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States military. In addition to myself, committee members included Melissa Orff, Heidi Elias, Katie Wilson, Deb Kramb, Othneil Campbell, and Ian Nathanson. We wanted the children to share in that pride and gratitude to our veterans.”  

The school decorated its lobby and hallways with military uniforms, medals, and photos. All grade level students were given the opportunity to send in pictures of their family members who are Veterans.  

The festivities also featured a Veterans Day program presented by the kindergarten classes on Nov. 9.

Fourth Grade Teacher Beth Midkiff collected more than 300 letters that will be sent out to deployed veterans. Fifth Grade students also wrote questions and interviewed a veteran as a part of a class project.  

“Students responded very enthusiastically,” Jackson added. “They love our veterans and want to be a part of honoring their service and sacrifice.  

“We greatly appreciate the support and assistance of everyone who contributed to the success of our Veterans Day festivities, and everyone who attended as well,” said Tucker Smith, assistant principal. “We had an excellent response and received many positive comments from students, staff members, and guests.”

Other key contributors to the Veterans Day celebration at Keheley Elementary School included Heidi Elias, Katie Wilson, Deb Kramb, Beth Midkiff, Stacey Fisher, Traci Cloer, Jaye Cannon, Donna Tramble, Sarah Dupuis, Renee Musselwhite, Roop Chatha, and Liesele Bifulco.