Council Rock To Honor Gold Star Heroes At STAR Center Dedication Ceremony

NEWTOWN, PA — The Council Rock School District will dedicate a plaque honoring two graduates who died while serving their country in the Middle East. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, beginning at 10 a.m. at the STAR Center in Richboro.

"The plaque will serve as a reminder to students, staff, and visitors of the sacrifices made by military members," said the district in a press release announcing the event.

A memorial shadowbox will be unveiled in the school's vestibule honoring Northampton Township’s Gold Star heroes: Army PFC Robert Dembowski Jr., and Army MSgt Kenneth Elwell. Both were graduates of the Council Rock School District.

The shadowbox includes flags provided by MSgt Elwell’s sister that were presented to the family following his funeral honors. The shadowbox will be displayed prominently in the school’s vestibule, a location that ensures all visitors will see the tribute when entering the building, the district said.

Attendees at the dedication will include Council Rock administrators, students, and members of the public. Also in attendance will be members of the Elwell and Dembowski families along with USAF veterans Erik Saracino and Jim Gallagher, and Northampton resident Bernadette Heenan, who led the effort to create the memorial.