HONORING OUR VETERANS — Those involved with last year’s Leo Club at Harding Middle School took part in a Veterans Day breakfast for local service members, past and present. This year, Steubenville City Schools will honor members through various activities planned at the schools. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville City Schools will honor those who have fought for America’s freedom during a series of Veterans Day activities planned in the coming week. More than 100 veterans will join Harding Middle School students in the Leo Club, sharing breakfast 9 a.m. in the gym. Club members invited veterans and facilitated the program. Fifth-grade teacher and club adviser Danielle Kalinowski is organizing the event.

Kalinowski said musical selections and the national anthem will be played by the jazz choir and veteran Valerie Stewart will play a military medley.

“Last year, we welcomed 90 veterans,” Kalinowski stated. “When the program began nine years ago, we had 50 participants. This year, we extended invitations to 115 veterans. The event is highly appreciated by students and veterans. It offers students the opportunity to express their gratitude and gain insight into military service. Veterans value the camaraderie and the chance to engage through conversation and shared experiences.”

This year, a commemorative display table has been added to recognize family members of school staff who served in the armed forces.

In addition to Kalinowski, teachers helping to organize the event included Kristin Taylor, Stephanie Zimmer and Emily Barletta.

Kalinowski thanked Kasey Marino of the Follansbee Flower Shop for providing and pinning boutonnieres for veterans each year. She thanked the Harding kitchen staff for preparing the brunch and expressed her appreciation to Sam Turrentine for printing programs and placemats.

Pugliese West Elementary will begin activities at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. The building will continue its longstanding tradition of recognizing veterans by offering a breakfast, performances and presentations, according to second-grade teacher Rachael Andes.

The event is being organized by Community Connections and Parent and Family Involvement committees, along with school staff.

Andes, a representative of both committees, explained the day holds significant meaning for everyone.

“This year, the Acts of Kindness Club will perform a special song dedicated to honoring our veterans. Students enjoy the opportunity to honor veterans and express their appreciation through song,” Andes said. “The veterans are deeply touched by the students’ performances and the recognition of their service. It’s a powerful inter-generational event that teaches students about service, sacrifice and gratitude.”

Andes noted students have prepared for weeks to learn the patriotic songs.

“The purpose of this event is to create a moment for our school community to come together and express our gratitude to those who have served our country, while teaching our young students the importance of honoring veterans and their sacrifices,” Andes concluded.

McKinley STEM Academy will continue its annual musical Veterans Day salute at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Organizing the event is fourth-grade teacher McKenzie Filtz, who said all pupils in preschool through fourth grade will take part.

“Students will take part in a flag parade and present handmade cards to veterans in attendance, while fourth-grade students will take the lead as speakers and performers in the musical tribute,” Filtz commented.

“Before last year, the celebration was held virtually as a recording,” she added. “Last year marked the first in-person event. It was such a success that the tradition continues this year.”

Guest speakers will be John Franklin Murray V, a navy petty officer first class, and his wife, Norma, a retired naval petty officer, have a child who attends McKinley.

“The students are extremely excited for this year’s celebration, especially because it will include a slideshow featuring photos of veterans who are family members of students and staff,” Filtz said. “McKinley STEM is proud to continue this meaningful tradition that teaches students about honor, gratitude and service. The staff and students look forward to welcoming veterans, families and community members to celebrate the heroes who have served our country.”