Number of Participants: 300
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $2,535
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Sport: Schools
Date: November 10, 2022
Location:
Merrick
NY, USA
About:
The Levy Lakeside PTA and school community recognized veterans and their families at an assembly on Nov. 10.
Students, along with Merrick Board of Education members, administrators and local politicians filled the school’s gymnasium. Music teacher Jeffrey Glemboski provided musical accompaniment as the crowd sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America The Beautiful.” The school’s color guard presented the flags.
“Keep this patriotic spirit as you grow older,” said Assemblyman David McDonough.
Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini emphasized the importance of remembering the service and sacrifice of veterans.
Legis. Steve Rhoads added, “these individuals have provided the blanket of freedom that has afforded us to live in a world as we choose to live.”
Principal Elizabeth Trencheny and Assistant Principal Meredith Kelly read the biographies of honored veterans. Excluding McDonough, the other individuals honored were family members of students. These students presented their family member with a red carnation.
- VFW representative Peter Stasinsky, U.S. Navy
- Matthew J. DeGregorio, U.S. Air Force, grandfather of third grader Max Sonbert, and kindergartner Penny Sonbert
- Max Forcht, U.S. Army, grandfather of sixth grader Tyler Gish
- Thomas Hart, U.S. Marines, grandfather of kindergartner Thomas Hart
- Col. Pat Keane, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), father of sixth grader Thomas Keane, and second graders Audrey Keane and Erin Keane
- Dr. Kenneth Malia, U.S. Marines, grandfather of third grader Valentina Volpe, and first graders Adriana Volpe and Giuliana Volpe
- Ronald Mazza, U.S. Army, grandfather of fifth grader Jessi Lasky
- Katina Tsahalis, U.S. Army, mother of kindergartner Rania Panopoulos
After the presentations, students Maxwell and Penny Sonbert presented letters and donations to VFW representative Peter Stasinsky for distribution to veterans.
Photo captions:
1-3) The Levy Lakeside PTA and school community recognized veterans and their families at an assembly on Nov. 10.
4) Fourth grader Gavin Nelson presented VFW representative Peter Stasinsky.
5) Matthew J. DeGregorio, grandfather of third grader Max Sonbert, and kindergartner Penny Sonbert.
Photos courtesy of Merrick Union Free School District