Schools throughout the district recently showcased their love and respect toward the nation’s veterans through various means of appreciation.

Close to 50 military veterans, along with their proud families, recently attended the annual breakfast celebration held at Ronkonkoma Middle School. Members of the American Legion Post 155 (Ronkonkoma), led by former Commander Paul Attard, were among those in attendance. During the event, the students proudly honored veterans and enjoyed speaking with them about their service.

At Idle Hour Elementary School, a schoolwide assembly honoring veterans was held. Organized by Idle Hour Youth and Family Services Coordinator Lara McNally, the event featured dozens of relatives from both students and faculty members who have served in the U.S. military forces.

After each veteran was individually introduced, students joined together by grade level to sing patriotic songs and a select number of students read essays, expressing words of respect and gratitude toward the veterans for all they have done to protect the country. A slideshow presentation displaying the veterans in their military years left many in the audience teary eyed.

Fifth-grade students at John Pearl Elementary school visited the Bohemia location of The Arbors Assisted Living Community to honor American military veterans. Donna Leopardi, John Pearl Elementary School Youth and Family Services coordinator, arranged the visit which had students singing patriotic songs and distributing gifts created within their art classes.