District 214 schools take a different approach to remembering veterans
By Tracy Gruen
Nov 11, 2014 | 3:48 PM
Students at Elk Grove High School listened to stories shared by veterans at a special breakfast with local veterans on Tuesday, Veterans Day.
Students in a leadership class had the opportunity to talk with the veterans at the breakfast and give them a tour of the high school as part of a schoolwide Veterans Day event that included an assembly to recognize those who served our country.
"I think it's great to meet with them and thank them for all of their service," said Melissa Picchi, a senior at Elk Grove High School.
Stephanie Kezios, an AP U.S. history teacher at Elk Grove High School, was instrumental in putting the event together. She thanked the local veterans for being at the event to remind students that veterans are important to our past, present and future.
"I think it's a really cool experience to connect with the veterans," said Michael Babiarz, an Elk Grove senior. "I think it's cool to hear their stories." Babiarz said he thinks the courageous acts of veterans should be more celebrated by people of all ages.
"It's very nice," said Tom Short, a veteran who served in Korea in the 1950s. He said two of his grandsons currently attend Elk Grove High School. Short said there was a time no one did anything to recognize veterans, so he thought the event was a great way to acknowledge the veterans.
This was the first Veterans Day that the students have had school on the actual holiday. The extra day off will be added to Thanksgiving break.
Arnold Aguilar, a Marine who graduated from Elk Grove High School last year, was happy to be back at the school to be a part of the unique event that made meaningful connections between the students and veterans.
"It's touching," said Aguilar, looking around at all the students and veterans at the breakfast.
"It's always nice to hear a 'Thank You,'" Aguilar said.
During the all-school assembly, a video that included interviews with veterans connected to the district was shown. Veterans were recognized by name and the branch they served in.
Also at the assembly, veteran Greg Padovani shared a cherished photograph of his uncle and grandfather and shared stories of their service.
"They'll come back and not say a word about it," Padovani said. "Get out there and talk to your family, especially if they're veterans."
Padovani encouraged students to talk with family members and learn about where they came from and what their relatives experienced.
Latest Arlington Heights
Woman pleads not guilty to murder charges in deaths of her parents at Arlington Heights home
Arlington Heights woman facing child endangerment charges: Police
Frontier Days festival draws thousands to annual festival in Arlington Heights
Hersey coach Mary Fendley excited to lead latest group of dedicated Huskies
During the lunch periods, students had the chance to listen to a panel of four veterans who answered the students' questions and shared their experiences.
[Most read] Ex-ICE chief said he thought of giving Ill. Rep. 'Chuy' Garcia 'a beating' after clashing at House hearing »
Jim Miks, an English teacher at John Hersey High School, said students at Hersey High School are helping to raise funds to build a handicapped-accessible home in Georgia for Jason Smith, a veteran who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan in 2012. Miks said Smith is coming to Hersey to talk about leadership, service and resilience at their holiday assembly in December. He said different groups at the school will be busy doing fundraisers to raise money for the home that will be built in May.
During the morning announcements, a message from Smith thanking the Hersey high school students and staff for their support was played and banners honoring all veterans were displayed.
"There is a student team that is taking shape," Miks said.
North Suburban Cook County