Maple Point Middle School in Middletown Township continued its tradition of honoring veterans with its 23rd annual ceremony ahead of Veterans Day.
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This year’s event brought together close to 100 veterans and eighth-grade students.
The gathering kicked off with a breakfast for veterans and was followed by a ceremony featuring student performances, guest speakers, and a Roll Call of Honor recognizing each veteran in attendance.
“Veterans Day gives us a chance to remember and thank those who’ve stood ready to defend our freedoms,” said James Kelly, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Maple Point.
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Principal Andy Sokol challenged students to step up as leaders in their school and “serve a cause bigger than yourself.”
Keynote speaker Specialist Tommy Pease, a Maple Point graduate now serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, shared insights from his recent deployment to Africa.
Pease, whose family has served in the armed forces over numerous generations, reflected on the freedoms Americans enjoy.
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“Going to the Penn State Whiteout game this weekend, 76ers and Flyers games – it reminds me how lucky we are to live in a free country,” he said.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican praised the school’s commitment to honor veterans.
“There’s one school that shows up every year for veteran events. One. And it’s Maple Point,” he said. “It’s very important to our veterans that Maple Point shows them how much they care.”
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State Sen. Frank Farry and State Rep. Joe Hogan, both Republicans, thanked the veterans for their service and applauded the students for recognizing those who served.
The ceremony highlighted the student “Pennies for Puppies” program, which raised $800 to provide vests for service dogs through Alpha Bravo Canine.
After the program, veterans and students gathered outside for a group photo around a large American flag painted on the school’s field.
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Neal French, a 27-year veteran of the Maple Point staff, summed up the school’s dedication: “This isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are.”
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