Every Veterans Day, our Assistant Principal Chris Grossnickle works with 8th grade students to plan a wonderful ceremony to honor our local veterans. Ms. Grossnickle’s father is a World War II veteran and has attended the program regularly. Click to see an interview with World War II veteran Garold Grossnickle.
The Guardsmen Orchestra (led by Ms. Vickie Marshall), Band (led by Mrs. Heather Baker) and Choir (led by Miss Alaina Williams) all performed for the veteran special guests. The veterans in attendance all had a relationships to current students or faculty. The program is terrific way for students to show their appreciation to those who gave us so much. Click to see the full photo gallery below.
Along with the veterans, Grissom Principal Mr. Jean Milfort also welcomed keynote speaker Major General Peter K. Sullivan. Major General Sullivan is the mobilization assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Pentagon, Washington D.C. The 1960 University of Notre Dame graduate has commanded two Air Force Reserve groups and four wings. He is a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars.
Major General Sullivan also spoke to the students about honor and service, explaining to the students that serving in the military is just one way to serve our country; they can also serve without joining the armed forces. Becoming a teacher, health care worker or just making a conscience decision to give back and help others is a service to society.
The program concluded with students introducing their veteran and presenting them with a flower. Eighth grade student Andrew Stutzman played taps, after a moment of silence, to honor fallen veterans.
Ms. Grossnickle’s father and World War II veteran Garold Grossnickle was recently interviewed by Penn High School Senior Jackson Kirby about his World War II experiences. The interview is below:
To download high resolution jpg files from the photo gallery below, just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on the bottom right-hand corner of the photo while viewing it in the Photo Gallery function. We are happy to provide this service to you, free of charge!
