Region – The entire student body sat in respectful silence as several local veterans spoke to them about choices, challenges and careers as part of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School’s annual Veterans Day Assembly. Patriotic music played by the Assabet band welcomed the guests, the Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard marched in with the flags, and Ryan Bennett, a junior from Hudson, sang the national anthem.
Sergeant William Carr, a U.S. Marine Corps World War II veteran, Staff Master Sergeant (ret.) David Hassan, U.S. Air Force, and Tech Sergeant (ret.) U.S. Air Force, Leo Foster, each spoke to the staff and students. They reminded students that they are in a unique place in their lives where they have many choices ahead of them, and emphasized that the skills they will have when they graduate from Assabet will serve them well whether in the military, in college, or in the workforce.
Two students, Stephanie Torchio, a senior from Hudson, and Elianna Davis, a senior from Shrewsbury, read personal essays describing what Veterans Day means to them, and how they each have family members who have been an inspiration to them through their service.
After Superintendent Ernest Houle presented the guests with certificates of appreciation, the Colors were retired, and Timothy Agnew, a sophomore from Shrewsbury, played a moving rendition of “Taps,” before Principal Mark Hollick gave the final remarks.
Photos/submitted