Saint Patrick Catholic School honors local Veterans

Under the leadership of teacher Lynne Stader the 7th grade class at St. Patrick Catholic School hosted the 17th annual spring patriotic assembly, this year honoring Memorial Day and American veterans.

The processional featured uniformed soldiers from each branch of the military carrying the flag of their branch, escorted in by a 7th grade student, as well as Pelham’s Sean Markey playing bagpipes. The SPSC band, now in its third year, also joined the program, playing three pieces including “This Land is Your Land’ and “Trumpet Voluntary”. Students read excerpts from patriotic essays, performed poetry honoring the sacrifices of the military, and read from letters written by soldiers in a segment entitled “Last Letters Home”. The program also includes a tip of the hat to the 8th grade for their year-long stewardship of the school flags, and a ceremonial moment where the responsibility is then passed along to the 7th graders going forward into eighth grade next year. Eighth grader Andrew Cavanagh played “Taps” as a trumpet solo at the conclusion of the program.

Three of the participants were parents of SPCS students. Lt. Commander Dana Castagneto- U.S. Navy Reserves has 3 children in the school, his daughter Penelope also participated as a member of the school band. Master Sergeant Robert Edwards of the Air Guard is the father of Everett Edwards from the Pre-Kindergarten class. Lt. Colonel Wayne Gamble, U.S. Army-Retired is also a longtime member of the SPCS family, with sons Chris and Connor having attended SPCS and his wife, Tracy, employed with the school for many years.

“I had to work a little harder to get a Marine,” cites Stader, “but we were thrilled that Private Jon Correia of Salem could be with us to represent the Marine Corps.” Private Corriera just graduated from boot camp and this was the first event he wore his dress uniform to.

Wearing the uniform of the VFW Post 10722, veteran Lenny Pitts carried the flag of the Coast Guard, though his own service was in the Air Force during Korea and Vietnam. His granddaughter Ashley is in the 8th grade at SPCS. “My idea to represent the service branches ultimately became a family affair, which was wonderful for the students.” (Stader)

The Parish Center was filled, with nearly 100 guests in addition to the school body. Guests included twenty-two members of Pelham’s John H. Hargreaves VFW Post 10722 and several veterans from the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, who came by van. The veterans, including several in wheelchairs, were given small American flags which they waved proudly during the ceremony.

Retiring principal Hank Golec was presented with a shadow box containing a flag that has flown at the school during his tenure.

Throughout the year students have many experiences using the microphone and podium in Mrs. Stader’s classroom, and they are ready to go when their turn comes for leading this annual tradition.

“Leadership opportunities and volunteerism are key student activities in our school, “ says Stader. “Both are vital not only to the future success of the students but also to the future of our communities.”

SPCS parent Carol Beland commented, “A special Thank you to Mrs Stader for providing our 7th graders with the opportunity to honor our veterans as well as to recognize the real meaning of Memorial Day.” Indeed a beautiful one of a kind Memorial Day Celebration at a one of a kind school.