Eighteen West Hartford Students were honored at a recognition dinner held by the American Legion and West Hartford Public Schools.

Inductees observe the Generational Passing of the Colors. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

By Dexter McCann. Photos by Zoe Pierce and Ronni Newton

Tuesday’s Class of 2019 military recognition ceremony, held at West Hartford Town Hall, celebrated 18 soon-to-be high school graduates who will be serving in the United States armed forces.

The graduates, hailing from Hall High School, Conard High School, and Northwest Catholic High School, will represent five different branches of the military.

The ceremony was sponsored by American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 in conjunction with the West Hartford Public Schools, and featured speakers of all military and academic backgrounds. Before they spoke, the Hall High School Choraliers sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Following the anthem, emcee Dr. Rolf Knoll told the audience that the recognition ceremony “is a program that without a doubt we continue to see providing deserving recognition of the young men and women who have chosen to serve their country.” He also praised the ceremony as a way for the American Legion to honor their mission statement, which “is to support … youth mentorship, advocacy of patriotism and honor … and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.”

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 Commander Jeff Cole. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Jeff Cole, post commander of the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96, delivered the opening remarks. His speech celebrated the future of the 18 soon-to-be military men and women, as well as that of the armed forces and the country.

“The reason for this event is because you students, the graduates this year, through military service are the future of our armed forces and the future leaders of country,” said Cole.

Tom Moore, superintendent of schools in West Hartford, also offered his thoughts. Moore spoke fondly of the event, and of the soon-to-be graduates in attendance.

“This is one of the things I’m most proud to be a part of. It’s the right thing to do to bring recognition for those who are choosing to serve and choosing service.”

Moore offered his profound thanks to all those in attendance, especially the service members-to-be.

“I just want to speak as one father from West Hartford, one citizen from West Hartford, and I just really want to give my heartfelt thanks from those of us in West Hartford who haven’t served, but have relied on you to do it in the past,” Moore said. “And, for those heroes that I get to see here every year, and for those who are willing to do it in the future, it is much appreciated.”

Thomas Saadi, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Veteran Affairs, was the night’s keynote speaker. His speech was a reminder of the rich history of the military, as well as its importance in protecting the freedoms Americans take for granted.

“It’s a privilege for me to participate in this salute to our military inductees, as it is only because of those who have serve, those who continue to serve, and those who will service, that all of us, and all Americans, can live in this free and democratic nation,” remarked Saadi.

Saadi took a moment to honor all World War II veterans in attendance, but then returned to the subject of the honorees.

“I can tell you students here, from my own personal experience, that the United States military is among the most dynamic and diverse organizations in the world, with men and women from every walk of life. … And while diverse, they all have something in common. They are brothers and sisters in arms, volunteer to serve their country so that the entire nation may live in freedom.

“You are all here today because you understand the meaning of service to country, service to community,” Saadi added.

The obligation to serve linked all 18 of the nights honorees.

John Taylor, a Hall High School student who will attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy next year, was captivated by the idea of service.

“I also really want to be part of something bigger. I’m really excited to see what I’m able to do, how I’m able to help people.”

When asked about his preference for the Coast Guard specifically, Taylor responded “it’s going to make me the best version of myself.”

Cristina Gaudio, a Conard High School student who will participate in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Chicago, repeated the mantra of service to community, and added that she was drawn to the Air Force due to its frequent use of math. As for goals for the future, she added that she was focused solely on completing her ROTC program, and would proceed from there.

Maxwell Boyd, a Hall High student who will study in the Navy ROTC program at Virginia Tech, offered a personal explanation as to why he will be joining the service.

“I grew up next to a naval aviator, my godfather. The pride that he carried himself with, and the idea of a live of serving other people – what’s not to like about that?”

Boyd added that he “really believed in what this country stands for. Leaders aside, politics aside, what it stands for is really great.”

Following a generational passing of the colors, in which veterans spanning several generations passed down an American flag to the night’s honorees, Board of Education member Dave Pauluk offered concluding remarks, recalling humorous times from his own military experience.

Monsignor James F. Kinnane conducted the invocation and benediction.

The following students were honored at the event:

• Maxwell Boyd, Hall High School, Navy ROTC
• Sunsiray Brown, Hall High School, U.S. Marine Corps
• James Cheverier, Conard High School, U.S. Army
• Marcos Cruz, Conard High School, U.S. Air Force
• Bryson Denby, Conard High School, U.S. Air Force
• Lucas Diaz, Hall High School, Army National Guard
• Cristina Gaudio, Conard High School, Air Force ROTC
• Angel Guevara, Conard High School, U.S. Air Force
• Jacob Imerini, Northwest Catholic, U.S. Marine Corps
• Ethan McCabe, Conard High School, Army ROTC
• Cheyanne Parker, Conard High School, Army Reserve
• Izabella Raviv, Hall High School, Army ROTC
• John Taylor, Hall High School, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
• Timothy Tobin, Conrad High School, U.S. Marine Corps
• Daniel Towner, Hall High School, U.S. Marine Corps
• Jenesis Ward, Conard High School, U.S. Air Force
• Hugh Wells, Hall High School, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Jason Zamorano, Hall High School, U.S. Navy

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American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 color guard. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Hall High School Choraliers perform at the Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Monsignor James Kinnane. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Hall High School Choraliers member sings a solo during “America the Beautiful.” Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Keynote speaker Thomas Saadi, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Emcee Dr. Rolf Knoll announces the honorees, including Hall senior Max Boyd. Also pictured are Thomas Saadi and Superintendent Tom Moore. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Conard student Bryson Denby will join the U.S. Air Force. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Hall student John Taylor has been appointed to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Conard student Jenesis Ward, who will join the U.S. Air Force, with Conard Principal Julio Duarte. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce

Board of Education member Dave Pauluk. Class of 2019 Military Inductees Ceremony. May 28, 2019. Photo credit: Zoe Pierce