Number of Participants: 10
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $85
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Sport: Schools
Date: November 11, 2019
Location:
Amityville
NY 11701, USA
About:
The Amityville Union Free School District marked Veterans Day by providing students with first-hand accounts of history, as past and present servicemen and women visited Edmund W. Miles Middle School on Nov. 8 and Amityville Memorial High School on Nov. 14 to share their personal experiences.
The middle school welcomed 18 veterans who visited social studies classes throughout the day. They represented all branches of the military and served during different time periods, giving students perspective on several decades worth of world events. Volunteers from the National Junior Honor Society escorted them to the classrooms.
Among the speakers were several members of the school district who have served their country including board of education trustee Juan Leon, Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services Peter Paternostro, Assistant Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services Virginia Figueroa, social studies teacher Frank O’Brien and security guard Sikes Reese. Other guests included parents and representatives of local veterans organizations. Many veterans brought in artifacts to share including books, equipment, maps and photos.
“Students were able to hear multiple stories and perspectives about being in the service,” said Leslie Ciliotta, chairwoman for humanities. “We want students to not only show their appreciation for the people who fight for our country and our freedom, but also ask questions and explore a potential career path.”
Veterans also went to social studies classes at the high school. Department Chairwoman Dawn Mizrachi said that 25 men and women met with students to discuss their reasons for joining the armed forces, share stories from their service and talk about post-military life. She explained that by having veterans visit classes, students can establish connections with them and participate in meaningful dialogue about the historical events they have witnessed.