Calvert Hall Breaks Ground on Veterans Tribute

Calvert Hall College, a Catholic college preparatory school for young men in grades 9-12, broke ground today on a Veterans Tribute to honor graduates who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The groundbreaking took place at the start of Veteran's Day weekend, during the school's annual Military Appreciation Day celebration. The nearly 1,200 student body gathered first for a prayer service in the McManus Theatre that included a talk by Steve Hooper' 77, a retired submarine officer, and a performance by the Calvert Hall band playing the five service songs.

From there, the festivities moved outdoors to the groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony featured music and remarks by Calvert Hall President Brother John Kane, FSC; Veterans Tribute Founder and retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Nick Prevas '65; and Student Nathan Valencia '19. Also participating in the ceremony were Jim Eustace '65, retired Navy lieutenant; retired Brig. Gen. Joe Nattans, Sr. '60; John Palese '65, retired Army specialist; and Dan White '65, retired equipment operator second class, U.S. Navy Seabees. A wreath in honor of all graduates who have served was presented by Brother John and two Calvert Hall students.

“Veteran's Day honors those who unselfishly served our country. Calvert Hall’s Veteran's Day prayer service and Veterans Tribute groundbreaking is our way of expressing gratitude to those who fought for the freedoms for all," said Brother John Kane, FSC, president of Calvert Hall. "It is an excellent opportunity for our current students to reflect and to give homage to military veterans and to Calvert Hall alumni and parents who have also served.”

The Veterans Tribute, created using brick and marble and incorporating the American flag and symbols of the five services, will be located outdoors, between the McManus Theatre and Keelty Hall. In addition, there will be a digital display inside Keelty Hall that will feature information about Calvert Hall alumni and their military careers. The Veterans Tribute is scheduled to be completed before the end of the academic year.

Nick Prevas, a member of the Class of 1965 and a Vietnam veteran, and five of his fellow classmates developed the idea of establishing a Veterans Tribute in 2016 as a way to honor their fellow alumni who have served or are serving in the military. They met with members of Calvert Hall's administration, and the idea was approved. The founders group evolved into the Tribute Advocacy Group the following year, with 36 members (veterans and non-veterans) representing six classes.

There are various giving opportunities available, from $500 to $25,000, for those interested in being part of the Veterans Tribute. Additional information may be found at https://www.calverthall.com/page/veterans-tribute.

About Calvert Hall College

For more than 170 years, Calvert Hall College High School (known as Calvert Hall) has provided a Catholic college preparatory education to young men in grades 9-12 in the Lasallian tradition. The school is conducted by the de La Salle Christian Brothers (founded by St. John Baptist De LaSalle) and is the oldest Christian Brothers school in the United States. At Calvert Hall, academic prowess thrives, young men are involved in their community and a brotherhood is created that will last a lifetime. During this academic year at Calvert Hall, there are 1,193 students from 108 zip codes. For more information, visit calverthall.com

About the Photo: Brother John Kane, FSC, president of Calvert Hall College High School (center), is joined in the Veterans Tribute groundbreaking ceremony November 9 by Dan White '65, Nick Prevas '65, John Palese '65, Brigadier General Joe Nattans '60 and Jim Eustace '65. (Photo courtesy of Calvert Hall College High School)