Shawnee welcomes 104 vets for Veterans Day

News Top Stories Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — Shawnee High School welcomed 104 veterans to its second annual Veterans Day school assembly Wednesday. According to Chard Spencer, a history teacher at Shawnee and one of the event’s organizers, about 75% of the veterans were also served breakfast before the assembly, courtesy of the school’s culinary students. “Today gives us a moment to step back from our daily lives and take a moment to recognize what their service truly means,” said Maggie Weststone, Shawnee’s student body president. Students escorted veterans into the auditorium in order of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. After the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance, Shawnee’s choir sang “America the Beautiful.” Each veteran was recognized by name. Thirteen former Shawnee students who were killed in the line of duty were also recognized for their service. Many of them passed in World War II and the Vietnam War. “Our hope is that this is not only a special experience for you, especially those of you who have come at the invitation of one of your young family members or students,” Spencer said. “But that this is an experience that will also resonate with a host of young men and women today.” The ceremony ended with Alicia Stanovich, a master sergeant and member of Shawnee’s 2004 graduating class, sharing her journey to and in the military. Reach Deesarine Ballayan at 567-242-0456 Featured Local Savings