‘Home of the free because of the brave’ was the theme of the annual Veterans Day celebration at Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford.
Charter Oak International Academy students (from left) Ruby Hughes, Arnav Kandel, and Arycelli Ruffasto place a wreath honoring veterans at the base of the flagpole. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
The entire Charter Oak International Academy community gathered by the flagpole outside the brand new school building Friday to honor all veterans – those in the audience, relatives of students, and all who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Honored guests included Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Connecticut State Treasurer Denise Nappier, State Reps. Andy Fleischmann and Joe Verrengia, Mayor Shari Cantor, Minority Leader Dennise Hall, Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore, Board of Education Chair Mark Ovemyer-Velazquez, and other town and school officials.
The ceremony began with the stirring sounds of the bagpipe as Patrick Whalen circled the crowd. Michael DeLuca and Pat Harrell, member of the American Legion’s 103rd Airlift Honor Guard, raised and saluted the flag.
Charter Oak parent and U.S. Army Reserve member Juan Cruz sang the National Anthem, but the rest of the program was led by the students.
Fifth grader Marianna Temponi, who served as emcee, said the Veterans Day celebration sends a “message to all our veterans that we will never forget them or the sacrifices they made to protect our freedom.”
Jayme Kline read a Veterans Day poem, followed by a parade of students from all grade levels who spoke about bravery – the theme of the program. “I am brave …” each student began, adding responses in their own words that included “trying new things each year … reading chapter books … swing high on the swings … am not afraid to get a shot at the doctors … I sleep with the lights out … when I make new friends … not afraid of what others do.”
After Dawn Hyland’s first grade class sang “Five Brave Soldiers,” twins Isaac and Elias Drummond took the stage for a tribute to Connie Nappier, to whom this year’s Veterans Day program was dedicated.
Connie Nappier, the father of State Treasurer Denise Nappier, passed away in December. The World War II veteran and former member of the Tuskegee Airmen “was a friend of Charter Oak and will always be remembered for the brave man he was,” the Drummonds said as they presented Denise Nappier with an award honoring her father.
Denise Nappier gave her deep thanks to all the veterans who were at the program, and praised Charter Oak for its wonderful learning environment.
“Never let opportunity arrive and find yourself unprepared,” Denise Nappier advised the students.
“To my father who I miss dearly and to all the veterans I say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
The program concluded with “Thank a Veteran Poem” read by Jarrett Moster, placing of the wreath at the base of the flagpole by students Ruby Hughes, Arnav Kandal, and Arycelli Ruffasto, and the singing of “America” by the fifth grade chorus.
Veterans, families, and other guests remained at Charter Oak after the ceremony and enjoyed a special breakfast.
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Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore speaks with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman before the ceremony. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Fifth grader Marianna Temponi served as emcee at Charter Oak’s ceremony. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Patrick Whalen plays the bagpipes as Charter Oak International Academy’s program begins. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Michael DeLuca and Pat Harrell from the American Legion’s Honor Guard raise the flag. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Kimberly Bednarz and Rafael Martinez lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jayme Kine reads a Veterans Day poem. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Organizer Janet Fournier with one of the students making a statement about bravery. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A student skips off stage after making her personal remarks about bravery. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Organizer Janet Fournier with a student who speaks about bravery. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Invited veterans at the Charter Oak International Academy program. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Dawn Hyland’s first grade class sings ‘Five Brave Soliders.’ Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Twins Isaac and Elias Drummond give a tribute to Connie Nappier, late father of CT Treasurer Denise Nappier. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Drummonds present Denise Nappier with an award honoring her father. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Student Jarrett Moster reads ‘Thank a Veteran Poem.’ Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Fifth grade chorus sings ‘America.’ Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
From left: West Hartford Mayor Shari, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, and CT Treasurer Denise Nappier. Veterans Day 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
