Centennial Schools Host Multiple Events to Honor District Veterans Veterans’ Wall Re-dedication, Assemblies and Veterans Sharing Their Stories Are Among the Highlights on November 8 and 11

Veterans Day is just a few days away and once again, Centennial schools are hosting a number of rousing events to show support and appreciation to the men and women in uniform who have defended our country. Klinger Middle School and Log College Middle School have scheduled Veterans Day assemblies on November 8, 2013. On Monday, November 11, William Tennent High School will open its doors to the community for the Re-dedication of the Veterans’ Wall.

Assemblies at Two Centennial Middle Schools on November 8

 On November 8, Klinger Middle School (1415 Second Street Pike, Southampton) has scheduled an all-school Veterans Day assembly for 9:00 a.m. The Boy Scouts will open the ceremony with the  Presentation of Colors, followed by patriotic musical performances by the school band and chorus and a student recitation of Veterans Day poems. A slideshow will recognize District veterans. Students have been encouraged to invite a veteran to this event and all veterans are welcome to attend a post-assembly reception. “This is truly a labor of love,” noted Principal Michael Johnson. “Students, parents and faculty consider it an honor to acknowledge our veterans and their service,” he added.

Log College Middle School (730 Norristown Road, Warminster) is supporting the “Take a Veteran to School Day” initiative sponsored through the History Channel and Comcast.  Students are encouraged to invite family members and friends who have served their country to attend the Veterans Day assembly on November 8 at 8:30 a.m.

The chorus, band and orchestra will perform during this moving event. The assembly will feature a slideshow presentation of veterans. Photographs are being provided by student hosts.

Heather Sliwinski of Operation Ward 57 is the keynote speaker.  Operation Ward 57 is a non-profit organization supporting wounded soldiers, their loved ones and family members, as well as those that aid in their recovery. Veterans and their student hosts will gather at a post-assembly reception.

During the morning, several veterans will visit classrooms and speak about their service.  “We are so appreciative of the efforts of the Social Studies staff whose hard work has made it possible for the community to show its appreciation to our veterans,” said Log College Middle School Principal Bucky Clark.

Veterans’ Wall Rededication at William Tennent High School on November 11

For years the Veterans’ Wall at William Tennent High School served as a reminder of the sacrifices that District alumni, faculty and staff made by serving their county. During construction of the new high school the Veterans’ Wall was placed in storage, waiting to be returned to its place of honor. On November 11, at 8:15 a.m., the community will pay tribute to District veterans at a Veterans’ Wall Re-dedication Ceremony at the high school (333 Centennial Road, Warminster).  This is an opportunity for the community to show its gratitude and pride in those local residents who had served in the U.S. military.

Listed on the Wall are the names of more than 125 William Tennent graduates, as well as District faculty and staff, who served in branches of the U.S. Military, including: U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. National Guard, and U.S Army Reserves.

“The Wall gives our veterans the recognition they deserve,” said Chick Donnelly, William Tennent Alumni Association (WTAA) President. The WTAA, along with the high school, is sponsoring the ceremony. “I am thrilled that it is being re-dedicated.”

Veterans Invited to Share Their Unique Insights

Following the ceremony at the high school, veterans are invited to participate in Social Studies panels that will be held from 9:45 a.m.-10:40 a.m. “We look forward to having a strong representation from the veterans in our community. Their participation on the panels will provide our students with a unique opportunity to hear from those who courageously played a role in significant events in our country’s history,” said William Tennent Principal Dennis Best.

 Veterans interested in attending and/or serving on a panel should contact the Alumni WTAA for more details and to register. Please contact Chick Donnelly at 215-441.6181 ext. 11080 or email WTAA@Centennialsd.org. District veterans are encouraged to attend and wear their uniforms.