Coronado Middle School Observes Take a Vet to School Day
- Category: Education
- Created on Monday, 12 November 2012 18:46
Coronado, California - Coronado Middle School honored approximately 70 veterans for their service during the 4th annual "Take a Vet to School" Day, last Friday.
Take a Vet to School Day is a national program developed and sponsored by The History Channel and Time Warner Cable to link veterans with students nationwide.
The program was launched in 2007 and thousands of schools nationwide have participated every year. From single class visits to all-school assemblies, these events provide a way for students to learn more about the history and significance of Veterans Day.
"It's something that seems natural for our community, 40 percent of our students are military connected", said Jay Marquand, principal of Coronado Middle school. "It's a great way to honor our service men and woman."
Coronado Middle school began the day with a breakfast for the vets held in Granger Hall. Following the breakfast, attendees watched a live news broadcast featuring the schools broadcast team and veteran speakers as well as the Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado Capt. Gary Mayes.
Following the broadcast, the veterans spoke to the homeroom classes of many of the teachers to discuss their military experiences with the students.
"It feels good but also kind of feels weird," said Easton Haller, a CMS student whose father attended the event. "My dad is going to talk in my homeroom and I think my friends will be excited."
After the classrooms, students and veterans moved to the Coronado High school's Niedermeyer Field for a special parachute demonstration by U.S. Navy SEALs. Students, teachers and veterans watched as parachutists glided through the air and landed in the center of the field, bringing the Take a Vet to School Day to a close.
Throughout the day veterans and students were able to interacted giving both parties a different perspective.
"It's a great experience, it's really emotional. You don't really get the kids perspective all of the time," said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) James Summers, a parent of two Coronado students. "They're sacrificing something, too, the kids are affected as well."