On Nov. 8, Elmwood Park High School hosted its first-ever Veterans Day assembly, an event organized by senior government classes under the guidance of social studies teachers Jacquelyn Regnier and Jennifer Harrell.
This assembly stemmed from a new Illinois educational mandate requiring students to identify a community issue and implement solutions. The problem chosen was the absence of a Veterans Day assembly at EPHS and the need for the community to better recognize and thank its veterans.
The day-long event was divided into four periods, each offering a variety of activities. A station was set up for writing greeting cards to veterans, and posters honoring veterans lined the auditorium walls.
Student performances, like poetry readings and a rap, were organized alongside veteran video testimonies and military branch presentations, giving attendees a deeper insight into veterans’ experiences. The event also included a breakfast and luncheon for the veterans.
Ms. Regnier highlighted how the event gave students a chance to develop essential skills. “It taught them things like making a phone call to a business, explaining what you’re doing, asking for donations, and contacting veterans to see if they want to come and share their stories,” she said. Overall, the lessons learned extended far beyond the new mandate.
The students involved found the experience meaningful and personal. Senior Dana Solis, who was an MC and in the nourishment and welcoming committee, recalled a moment during the lunch as her proudest. “Not because of the food, but because I got to sit down and talk to two veterans. They told me a bunch of their stories, and it was nice to sit there and hear them.” Solis bonded with the veterans over their history of playing the clarinet in high school bands.
Senior Nestor Arroyo, who also served as an MC and was part of the nourishment and welcoming committee, reflected: “They all had stories to share, and I’m glad they got the chance to share them.” Serving as an MC also helped Arroyo practice public speaking skills.
For senior Alessandro Melick, the highlight was hearing the veterans’ stories. “The Veterans Day assembly was incredibly good at showing the sacrifices of our veterans,” he said. As part of the assembly operations committee, Melick worked on scheduling events and the script, as well as coordinating with the River Grove VFW — a clear example of the life skills Ms. Regnier emphasized.
Veterans in attendance expressed their appreciation for the recognition. Retired Navy Lieutenant Juan Carlos Lopez, a supply corps officer who spoke during the final period, said people should “recognize those that have volunteered to do the ultimate sacrifice to be part of our freedom in this country. Just a thank you is more than enough.”
Former Marine Staff Sgt. Richard Wojewnik, currently a unit commander for the Young Marines, a national youth leadership program for boys and girls, also shared his perspective on the assembly: “It’s nice to have a Veterans Day. We should let them know that we honor their service, we respect them, and we still love them because some of them did have some hard times.”
The success of the assembly was due to extensive collaboration. Ms. Regnier expressed gratitude for everyone who contributed, including staff members, students, and community donors. “I’m just really proud. I’m really grateful for all the people that helped us.”
Thank you to Principal Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico, principal’s secretary Gina Gallo-Zivojnovic, dean’s secretary Joanna Acosta, Athletic Office secretary Marsha Rubino, special education teacher Bill Baldridge, and the security staff for their valuable help and contributions to the assembly’s success.
With the assembly complete, Ms. Regnier and Ms. Harrell plan to make it an annual tradition.
