Junior-Senior High School Students Say ‘Thank You’

 

By Jonathan Weaver

More than two dozen veterans from different branches of the military received a salute from West Shamokin Junior-Senior High students in Rural Valley yesterday morning and a gracious round-of-applause.

Whether they be family or friends, students knew many of the veterans personally.

8th Grade Reading Teacher Patti Burford was “emotionally-attached” and asked to speak during the morning assembly since her son, Seth, served in the Army National Guard for 12 years - including two years in Iraq.

Seth applied for early enrollment when he was still a senior at West Shamokin and had to get approval from his parents to enlist – two days before September 11, 2001.

“He came with a list of pros and cons and asked, begged us, to please sign because this is what his dream was,” Patti said. “He was my hero.”

U.S. Army National Guard Specialist Greg Walls joined in 2011 before graduating in 2012 from West Shamokin. He has two years of his six-year contract remaining.

Originally of Dayton and currently stationed in Indiana, Pa., Walls has returned for each veteran assembly the school has had.

“The staff is like a tight knit family and the school is very patriotic. Proud to have gone here – they appreciate us soldiers more than I’ve seen anybody else,” Walls said. “They do an excellent job showing how much they appreciate us.”

Walls – who had two other high school friends from the Class of 2012 join the Armed Forces out of high school - hopes to make the military into a career.

Elmer Lightner of Dayton served with the U.S. Army from 1967-69 in Vietnam. A member of the American Legion Honor Guard for three years, Lightner and four other members were on their way to Claypoole Cemetery near Tarrtown for a veteran’s last goodbye.

“That’s where we’re headed right now – a funeral for a veteran,” Lightner said. “Last year, we did 105 funerals, and (yesterday) was our 75th (this year). Anytime a departed comrade goes, we do the rifle salute, fold the flag and play taps for the family.”

Lightner said honor guard funerals are performed throughout Armstrong County and on any day – including a funeral held New Years Day.

“We take that very seriously,” Lightner said. “We do as many services as we can.”

Elderton American Legion Post 918 Commander James E. Fleming served October 1962-October 1966 with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Florida. He enlisted after graduating from Shannock Valley High.

“It’s a great honor for us, what we did to defend our country,” Fleming said.

Student Council President Rochelle Schawl and dozens of fellow students talked with the veterans personally before and after the assembly and spent two months planning the assembly.

“We wanted to make it perfect,” Schawl said. “It (turned) out pretty good. It’s really cool getting to hear (a veteran’s stories), where they come from and their background.”

8th Grade English Teacher and Student Council Co-Advisor Jaime Fry had her uncle who served, Rick Stancombe, also in attendance and thought highly of the student council members.

“The kids were amazing – they put so much time and effort into this,” Fry said. “Everyone came together for this program.”

Remedial Reading 7th/8th Teacher and Co-Advisor Kim Celliti dedicated her poem about honor to her father – Daniel Bellini – who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Senior Collin Adamson chose to talk about excellence during the assembly and served veterans during a follow-up luncheon. He also had classes with Walls and wasn’t surprised when he enlisted.

Father, Tom, served in the U.S. Navy before Collin was born and was one of the veterans at yesterday’s assembly. Collin also traced his family’s military history back to the Civil War.

“Growing up with the stories, it swayed me to want to do something in the military as well,” Collin said. “I am applying to ROTC programs and academies.

“I want to serve like he did – like all these men and women did (yesterday).”

Today, Collin and his father will go the Sagamore VFW to visit and thank more veterans.

Teachers and students from the school’s Student Council described 10 characteristics – including courage, bravery and dedication – around performances of the “Armed Forces Salute,” “Amazing Grace,” and the National Anthem by the school concert band and tribute videos shown by video production students.

High School History Teacher Michael Cornetti summed up those 10 traits.

“All of our veterans have given something of themselves to this country, and some have given all by laying down their lives to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. This morning, let us never forget that we cannot rightfully share the joy of our freedom without remembering the price that was paid for that freedom and the untold debt that we owe.

“I have one simple, yet heartfelt message: thank you.”