West Hartford graduating students attended a military inductee ceremony to celebrate and honor their achievements. 

By Roz Green

As students prepare for graduation, the class of 2025 gets ready to take the next step in their lives. On Tuesday, May 27, the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 hosted an event celebrating students from the area who will be serving in the military after graduation.

The evening honored students from Conard High School, Northwest Catholic, Xavier High School, Hall High School, and Newington High School. The West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium was filled with friends, family, veterans, and leaders from the West Hartford community.

To begin the ceremony, the American Legion Honor Guard led the Posting of Colors and the National Anthem was beautifully sung by the Conard High School Solo Choir. Jammy Roman of Hall High School then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The invocation was given by Monsignor James F. Kinnane, COL (USA retired). He was appreciative of the love and support given by friends and family as they enter into this new chapter in their lives. Beginning opening remarks was Jim Caley, post commander of American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96. He warmly welcomed students and gave thanks to everyone who came to the event. 

Superintendent of West Hartford Public Schools Paul Vicinus then gave his remarks in a heartwarming speech about how proud he is to stand in front of all the honorees and guests in his uniform. He stood representing the Connecticut Army National Guard, as well as the less than 1% of Americans who answered the call to serve. 

Vicinus quoted former President Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is a fragile thing. It is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not in our inheritance. It must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it only comes once to a people.”

He explained how the quote inspires the men and women in the armed forces as it highlights the nobility and bravery of individuals undertaking the hard work and dedication of serving. He mentioned the importance of teamwork as these students will soon become a part of a family while they serve.

“You are now part of that we, part of us, part of a family whose bonds are created through shared experience, shared sacrifice and shared commitment to service above self,” stated Vicinus.

Following his inspirational remark was a speech given by a recent graduate of Conard High School, Hugh Baldwin.

Baldwin drew attention to the extreme challenges that these students will face, and highlighted the difficult tasks that students must partake in. However, Baldwin spoke on the many joys and exciting moments that he has experienced while serving. “The days and the things that you’ll remember are those great moments, whether tough or not with your friends, when you get to the top of the hill in the rock, or you split that pack of M&M’s in the rain, or you see them faceplant during a bounding draw out in the field,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin urged students to think positive, even though there will be times of sadness and frustration. He reminded them of the commendable step they are about to take. “But at the end of each day when you’re going to sleep, know that you should be proud of what you’re doing,” he stated. 

In concluding his speech, Baldwin acknowledged the importance of the bravery and courage it took for all the honorees to step up and serve their nation. He highlighted how they are all making a difference, and wishes them the best of luck on their journey. 

Following Baldwin’s uplifting speech was a musical interlude provided by Conard High School Solo Choir, and then a dinner provided for all guests. 

After guests were served dinner and settled down, keynote speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Seth Allen, stepped up to give his remarks. Allen has served in a multitude of positions all across the United States and across the world, and is currently serving as a professor of military science at the University of Connecticut. He was also the grand marshal of West Hartford’s Memorial Day parade on Monday, and the keynote speaker of the ceremony that immediately followed. 

Allen spoke about how much students will not only grow as people but as leaders, and reminded them that they will be and are already making a difference. He then asked all inductees to stand up to be given a round of applause.

The echo of clapping hands filled the room, and the pride, love, and support from guests was clear. Allen wanted students to realize that the people standing are now their new family, “your brothers and sisters in arms.” 

Along with wishing the honorees luck in their journey, Allen ended his inspirational and impactful speech by providing one last piece of advice. “Enjoy the ride. Stay humble. Stay motivated. And most of all, stay true to the purpose.” 

One of the honorees, Sophia Pereira of Conard High School, who will be attending the Army ROTC, stated her reason for why she wanted to go into the military. She came from a military family with her grandfather who was in the Army, and her uncle who was in the Air Force, and she wanted to follow in their footsteps. “I’m like the only woman who is going to do it in my family, and it is just something I wanted to do for a while,” shared Pereira. 

The closing remarks were given by Ethan Goldman of the West Hartford Public Schools Board of Education, who spent 20 years in the Army. Ending the ceremony in a heartfelt and personable way, Goldman spoke about his experience not only being in the military, but being a parent of a soldier. He mentioned how his son learned a lot about himself and his leadership skills, and hopes the same for all the students preparing to turn the page and begin their new chapter. 

The honorees are as follows: 

• Dominic Amaro, Conard High School: U.S. Army
• Arcangel Arroyo, Conard High School: U.S. Navy
• Zander Bos, Xavier High School: West Point
• Jayden Brainard, Conard High School: U.S. Air Force
• Matthew Castro, Hall High School: U.S. Marine Corps
• Iane Cayunda, Newington High School: U.S. Army
• Leticya Dos Santos, Newington High School: U.S. Army Reserve
• Isadora Dosreis, Newington High School: U.S. Army Reserve
• Ian Hawley, Xavier High School: West Point
• Javier Herrera, Xavier High School: U.S. Air Force Academy
• Penelope Humphrey, Newington High School: U.S. Army
• Erion Ibrahimi, Conard High School: U.S. Marine Corps
• Raima Maitra, Northwest Catholic: Navy ROTC
• Sophia Pereira, Conard High School: Army ROTC
• Donovan Ravenberg, Hall High School: Air National Guard
• Jashaun Richardson, Conard High School: U.S. Marine Corps
• Jammy Roman, Hall High School: U.S. Army
• Charles Weidman, Xavier High School: U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School

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