Zach White Elementary annual Veterans Day celebration goes virtual
(ZACH WHITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -- Nov. 11, 2020) — Zach White’s annual Veterans Day celebration went virtual Tuesday morning as students and staff came together via Zoom to continue their tradition of recognizing the women and men who have served in the military.
Parent engagement liaison Lisa Guzman led the celebration that included some of the usual elements: a virtual presentation of colors by the Coronado JROTC, a tribute to 51 of Zach White’s family members and staff who have served and a video of last year’s flyover by an Army helicopter. Fifth-grader Kyra Tredway also performed the National Anthem on her violin.
“It was important to continue Zach White's tradition of having a Veterans Day Ceremony because our Veterans are very important to us and have given so much for our country,” said Guzman said. “We wanted to show the students that even though things might be different right now, we can still carry on, we can still stop to celebrate. We just need to be able to adjust how we do our celebrations.”
The virtual ceremony included a video message from principal Jocelyn Scott and patriotic artwork by students. Third grade teacher Elvia Richard, an Army reservist since 2002, sat in uniform surrounded by her children watching the ceremony from home.
“I love the Veteran’s Day Ceremony we have at Zach White every year,” Richards, who did a tour in Iraq in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It is such a great honor that our school takes such care to honor or veterans every year. I feel so lucky to work at such a great place.”
The Warrant Officer One, who drove a convoy during her tour of duty in Iraq, thanks her colleagues at school for supporting her efforts to train and serve in the reserves. She enjoyed the program with her kids, all students at the school, who are supportive of their parents and other veterans.
"I like celebrating it because I get to celebrate with the parents. I know that they’ve risked a lot to be in his type of job,” said fifth grader Major Richard. “I also enjoy this holiday because it’s very cool that my parents are in the Army."
Her third-grade daughter Lily Richard enjoyed the ceremony found the event fun and a great opportunity to spend some time with mom.
Brother Dax, a first grader, added: “I get to salute people that help us, take care of us, and love us."
To view the virtual presentation, click here.