SCITUATE, RI., NOVEMBER. 13, 2024 – During the days leading up to Veterans Day, Scituate School Department came together to honor local veterans with a series of meaningful Veterans Day activities across the district. Scituate Middle School and Clayville Elementary each held special assemblies to recognize the service of veterans and to educate students about the importance of civic responsibility and the sacrifices made by those who serve our country. In addition to these assemblies, students at Scituate High School, North Scituate, and Hope Elementary participated in their own events to express their gratitude and learn about the significance of Veterans Day.
On Friday, November 8, Clayville Elementary and Scituate Middle school held Veterans Day assemblies where they invited local veterans to the schools. Clayville students expressed their gratitude in a video tribute, thanking veterans for their service, and the school’s chorus performed God Bless the USA in honor of the occasion. At Scituate Middle School, students welcomed veterans to the school by singing the National Anthem and followed the performance with a question and answer session where students had the opportunity to ask veterans about their experiences and the significance of their service.
“We are deeply grateful for the service of our local veterans, and it was an honor to have them join us for our first-ever Veterans Day assembly at Scituate Middle School,” said SMS Principal Dana Morel. “Our goal was not only to honor their sacrifices but also to give our students a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve our country.”
Major General Reginald Centracchio, joined Principal Morel in facilitating the middle school event held at the high school auditorium. Together, they invited students to ask insightful questions to the veterans, including topics like military preparation and the impact of service on personal life. When the event concluded, veterans were presented with thank you cards designed by 8th grader Bella North, winner of the middle school’s Veterans Day card design contest.
“The Scituate School Department encourages all students to take the time to honor the courageous men and women who have served our nation with selflessness and dedication,” said Superintendent Laurie Andries. “It is crucial that we instill in our students the values of service, and civic responsibility. Educating our young people about the impact of military service not only deepens their understanding of history, but also inspires them to contribute to their communities and country in meaningful ways.
The commitment to honoring veterans extended beyond Clayville and SMS. Students at North Scituate and Hope Elementary schools participated in their own Veterans Day activities. On November 1, Major General Centracchio visited Hope Elementary, where he spoke with 5th grade students about the significance of Veterans Day and our nation's history. Meanwhile, students at North Scituate Elementary created thank you cards that were distributed to local veterans at the Scituate Senior Center.
In addition, the Scituate High School band participated in the town’s Veterans Day Parade, organized by the American Legion, Scituate Post 19. The high school also encouraged students and families to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday by reviewing a special PowerPoint presentation created by Post 19, explaining the history and significance of Veterans Day.
“As a district, we are committed to fostering a sense of gratitude and civic duty in our students,” Superintendent Andries added. “By educating them about the sacrifices made by our veterans, we hope to inspire the next generation to give back to their communities and continue to honor those who have served.”