Eastport-South Manor Schools Honor Local Veterans

Students across the Eastport-South Manor School District honored local military veterans with parades, breakfasts and special ceremonies marking Veterans Day. The district organized celebrations at several schools, giving students an opportunity to recognize veterans from their families and the surrounding community. Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration, welcoming local veterans for a morning of recognition. The school's marching band led a procession of veterans through the hallways as students lined the corridors, applauding and cheering as the guests passed through the building.

Following the parade, veterans gathered in the school library for breakfast with students, faculty and other members of the school community. The gathering provided an opportunity for students to interact with veterans and learn more about their military service.

The event also featured the winners of the Junior High School Veterans Day writing contest, which invited seventh- and eighth-grade students to submit poems reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day or letters addressed to veterans. The contest was designed to encourage students to consider the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the military. Six students were recognized for their submissions: Olivia Cefaloni, Cayden Hahn, Anabella Marzillier, Layla Paterson, Abby Rodriquez and Aria Wood. The winners attended the breakfast and read their entries aloud to the veterans and other guests.

Similar celebrations took place at Eastport Elementary School and South Street School, where students welcomed veterans who are family members of children attending the schools. Both schools organized parades through their buildings, allowing students and staff to recognize the visiting veterans. The elementary school parades were followed by breakfasts attended by veterans, students and members of the school communities. The gatherings provided additional opportunities for families and students to spend time with the veterans.