Local school honors veterans with special program

by Amy Roby

Next Thursday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., staff and students at Scarselli Elementary School will present a special program in honor of our United States veterans.

Although formal invitations were sent to veterans who are friends and family of Scarselli students, coordinator Erin Alvarez explained that all veterans, as well as active duty personnel, are invited to attend the celebration.

Festivities will take place in the lunchroom of the school. Music teacher Tammy Owens has arranged a collection of songs to be performed by students and each song will include a narrative history. In addition, several patriotic readings are planned. Students will also honor our veterans by wearing red, white and blue.

The entire program will last 40-60 minutes. Refreshments for veterans will be served afterward in the school's library.

This is the second year that Scarselli has put on this type of honorary program. Alvarez recalls that many attendees wore their uniforms to last year's celebration and seeing the uniforms up close was a special treat for many children.

Alvarez, whose son is serving in Iraq, is proud to be part of this salute to veterans. "It's a way to honor the veterans who fought for the freedoms which we enjoy today," she says.

Another way Scarselli staff and students are showing their appreciation for military personnel is through their "Pennies for Patriots" drive, which launched after the idea was shared by a parent volunteer.

Cans have been distributed throughout the school with the goal of collecting loose change. The money will be pooled to purchase phone cards to send to active military personnel over the holidays. The fundraising drive will continue until the winter break commences on Dec. 22.

"This is something they all need and can really use," says Alvarez.

If you are interested in donating or would like more information regarding the Veteran's Day celebration, you can call the school at 265-2222.