Noonan Academy Honor Veterans with Tribute and Mass

On Friday, November 10, 2023, Noonan Elementary Academy's junior high gym was packed with students, staff, family, and Veterans. "This is our nineth year offering such an opportunity to our students," stated Mrs. Mary Murphy, Assistant Principal of Noonan. "Our students get to meet Veterans and hear their stories. They are able to thank them for all that they have done, to protect their freedoms, with this tribute." Each Veteran was honored by name, given a certificate and a spiritual bouquet in addition to a plant, which were blessed by Father Merkelis. Students, staff, and families of Noonan Academy gathered into the junior high gym where the students lead the processional of Veterans, who are family members or friends of Noonan students or of past graduates while singing "America, The Beautiful". Veterans were blessed by Fr. Merkelis and a certificate was presented by Principal Joseph Dunn. Everyone in the gym recited the St. Michael Prayer together.

Those in attendance at the tribute and Mass were Staff Sergeant Brian Holuj Air Force (Father to Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve), Captain Dr. Jack Ruby Army (Grandfather to Michael, Juliet, and Jack Novak), Sergeant Jim Schlegel Army (Alumni Father to JT and John), Corporal John Safarik Marine (friend of Andrew and Marissa Lacny), Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Tuburan Navy (Mother toKai), Specialist Kory Tuburan Illinois National Guard (Father to Kai), Sergeant E5 Jillian Macias Army (Mother to Liam), Private First Class Anthony Briseno Marine (Noonan Class of 2019, bother to Katrina and Joseph Klepczarek), Perry Officer 1st Class Terry Cornell Nacy/Air Force (Grandfather to Megan Adamo), Naval Aviation Crew Member Joseph Cherne Navy (Grandfather to Emilie Yakish and Eli), Sergeant Joseph Giertuga Army (Grandfather to Elizabeth), Military Policeman Art Barkman Army (Grandfather to Michael Fitzgibbons), Sergeant E5 Joseph Villanti Army (Grandfather to Jillian, Jorga, and Jackson So), Specialist 4 David Nelson Army (Grandfather to James), Ed Buckley Marine (Grandfather to Genevieve Andreatta), Sergeant Jonathan Horn Army (Grandfather to Robyn and Jaxson Triche), Sergeant Ray Zichmiller Army (Uncle to Billy and Gianna Cortese), 2nd Class Petty Officer Robert Hoyt, Jr. Navy (Uncle to Emma, Mia, and Isabella Mueller), E4 Ken Burmeister Army (friend of Michael Rodge), Corporal John Safarik Marine (friend of Andrew Lacny), Corporal E4 Ron Williams Army (friend of Anthony, Louis, and Genevieve Holuj), Sergeant Nolan Jenczalik Army (Friend of Ms. Banasiak, PreK4), and Radioman 3rd Class Harold Schrank Navy (Father to Ms. Schrank, 2nd Grade).

"While other schools have Veterans Day off, we have the opportunity to honor our Veterans by inviting them into our school for this tribute. We benefit daily from your sacrifice. You are living Saints who walk among us. Thank you for your service, " said Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan.

Noonan Elementary Academy is an independent Catholic school in Mokena serving preschool through 8th grade. Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Scholarships are available; please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information or visit their website at www.noonanacademy.org