SAD 4 students, staff prepare for annual Veteran’s Day event on Nov. 9
GUILFORD — The students and staff of SAD 4 are inviting area veterans and the general public to attend their annual Veteran’s Day celebration at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9. “We’ve certainly created a tradition,” noted John Keane, Piscataquis Community High School principal. “We’ve been hosting these celebrations for over a decade. But it’s a tradition that seems to have more meaning every year and it’s anything but a habit — every year we create some differences.”
Keane also requests that any veteran who did not complete his or her high school education contact him at the school (876-4625), hinting that there may be some additional honors as part of this year’s program.
Organizers note that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and the PCHS National Honor Society will provide a program of recognition.
The students and staff of SAD 4 are inviting area veterans and the general public to attend their annual Veteran’s Day celebration at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9. “We’ve certainly created a tradition,” noted John Keane, Piscataquis Community High School principal. “We’ve been hosting these celebrations for over a decade. But it’s a tradition that seems to have more meaning every year and it’s anything but a habit — every year we create some differences.”
Students from the TCTC Criminal Justice Program will open and close the program by formally posting and retiring the colors under the command of Col. Steven Spaulding. The celebration includes the traditional patriotic music, student presentations, and selected readings that will feature students and staff from grades 3-12. The Armed Forces Medley Salute performed by the PCHS Band typically brings the entire audience to its feet as the school and community honors all veterans and those who serve in each branch of the service.
This year’s program includes “A message from a Veteran and his Veteran Dad” as well as a special message from Staff Sgt. Patrick Maloon an active duty soldier who graduated from PCHS in 1988. Elementary students will perform music numbers “God Bless America” and “Thank You, Soldiers” under the direction of PCES performing arts teacher Mark Arthers.
The always popular tribute will be held in the PCHS gymnasium on Campus Drive in Guilford in order to accommodate the anticipated crowd. A local resident who has attended for several years commented, “This is one school program you don’t want to miss. There is some obvious sadness over the sacrifices that have been and are being made by our military. But that sadness is balanced with a deep sense of pride and appreciation. Experiencing that with children of all ages, veterans, friends, and neighbors means moist eyes and going home with a deep sense of community unity.”
Veterans and friends, parents and the entire community is invited to celebrate are encouraged to attend. Refreshments for veterans, visitors, and guests will be served in the cafeteria following the program. For those unable to attend, the program will be live streamed from the school’s website (http://www.sad4.org). Long distance guests are encouraged to visit the site 15 minutes prior to the event to establish a connection.