Upper St. Clair students honor veterans
Nov. 11, 2022
Upper St. Clair students honor veterans
Second graders at Baker Elementary School were visited by members of the U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday, Nov. 10. In addition to learning about how the Coast Guard helps to protect our waterways, students were able to climb aboard and explore a rescue boat that can travel up to 50 mph.
The Baker Elementary School community honored its veterans and active military members with its annual Star Wall. Led by fourth grade teacher Nichole Trollman, the Star Wall honors more than 100 active and veteran members of the armed forces. Baker families were asked to write the name of the person, military branch, and relationship to the Baker student or staff member on each star.
Ms. Trollman values this opportunity for students and families to honor the veterans who mean so much to the Baker Elementary school community.
“The students learn who a veteran is and why we have Veterans Day,” Ms. Trollman said. “The Star Wall gives students a way to make it more personal and show appreciation for veterans in our community and beyond.”
For the second year in a row, Baker fourth grade students had the opportunity to interview a special veteran in their life. This project was led by Mrs. Betsy Allen, gifted education teacher.
“This year eight fourth graders interviewed veterans in their families and recorded short videos,” Ms. Trollman said. “Mrs. Allen then prepared the videos to be shared with the school for staff and students at Baker to view. They did a fantastic job!”
Mrs. Allen added each of the videos to her Canvas page, where Baker families can easily access and watch the videos online.
“Our fourth graders interviewed active-duty parents, retired grandparents, and more,” Mrs. Allen said. “The veterans were excited to share their stories and wisdom with the Baker community. It was so wonderful to see the fourth graders connect with the veterans in their lives.”
“Students learned about the branches of the military, why some chose to serve, where they were stationed during their time in the military, and about their proudest and most memorable experiences serving our country,” Dr. Lindsay Klousnitzer, Streams principal, said. “Students wrote letters to veterans and participated in collaborative learning activities showing gratitude towards those who promote our freedoms.”
At Boyce Middle School, students created a Wall of Honor to celebrate family members who are veterans or who are actively serving in the military.
“We asked families and staff to send in information and a picture of a family member either actively serving or a proud veteran,” Amy Antonio, school counselor, said. “We have 48 veterans/active military servicemen and women on the Wall of Honor.”
“It feels like every year we get more and more submissions. The Wall of Honor is in the front foyer, so it is very visible to the students,” Mrs. Antonio said. “It is obvious to me that the students who have family members on the wall definitely feel a sense of pride. It is important that the students remember the importance of honoring those making the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Despite the rainy weather, the Upper St. Clair High School Marching Band participated in the annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Pittsburgh.
Upper St. Clair High School’s Local Historical Leaders Club coordinated a display to honor those who have and are serving in the U.S. military. More than 50 stars – each featuring the photo and name of a veteran or service member – adorned the wall in the theater lobby, which serves as the backdrop for the Missing Man Table. Information about the history of Veterans Day and the symbolism of the Missing Man Table was shared with students and staff during Friday’s morning announcements.
Members of the Upper St. Clair High School Chanteclairs, directed by Lorraine Milovac, participated in the annual event. The keynote address was delivered by David Andros, a 2005 U.S. Military Academy graduate. Pastor Seth Booher, New Day Assembly of God, provided the invocation and benediction and the Marine Corps League Color Guard Detachment 726 presented the colors. The Fort Couch Middle School band was also scheduled to participate; however, the performance was canceled due to inclement weather.
This year’s Veterans Day event – held in partnership with the Upper St. Clair School District and the Township of Upper St. Clair – was coordinated by Lt. Col. Brian Schill who serves as executive director of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce.
USC Veterans Park, located adjacent to township and school district offices on McLaughlin Run Road, was dedicated on Nov. 11, 2011. A full description and history of the park can be viewed at www.uscveteranspark.org.
