Photo Credits to Aryana Romano    

On November 11, 2022, Lowellville High School held its annual Veterans Assembly. The assembly was open to the public and local veterans were invited to attend. Senior Sidney Price, welcomed everyone to the assembly. American Legion members completed the Presentation of Colors. This was followed by a moment of silence followed by Vinny Ballone playing Taps. Ryan Hvisdak spoke about the history and origin of Veterans Day. The elementary students showed their appreciation and love for the veterans by creating art and writing letters that were given to the veterans.  Four students from Mrs. Havrilla’s sixth grade class read the letters they wrote in appreciation of veterans and what Veterans Day means to them. The sixth-grade students who read letters were Steven Yon, Malena Sturm, Laila Coira, Azalea Betlyn, Hailey Wolfgang, and Michael Metasic. 

     Kevin Johnson had the honor of introducing our keynote speaker,  his grandfather, Terry Johnson. Terry Johnson served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. He served in two combat tours in the Vietnam War. In Mr. Johnson’s speech he spoke about the origin of Veterans Day and how much this day means to him. Following his speech, Lily V.C presented him a commemorative plaque thanking him for his service and for speaking at our school.  The band played “This is my Country” and all veterans in attendance received a Veterans Day pin in appreciation of their service.  Commander Everett M. Oliver gave closing remarks. 

     After the assembly, refreshments and cookies were served for the veterans and their families in the library. During this we  had the pleasure of interviewing our keynote speaker Terry Johnson and William Whetstone.

     In the interview with Terry Johnson he told us he was drafted into the army. The advice he has for anyone joining the military is that there are many jobs and it’s not limited to one thing. Terry was interested in speaking because the last time he was able to attend the assembly was in 2017. This year is Kevin’s senior year and Terry wanted to make it special by speaking. He also added that he was nervous to speak and the last time he was that nervous was when he married his wife. 

     We also interviewed William Whetstone. William served in the army for twenty years and sixteen days. He attended the assembly because his niece Maddison Esposito goes to Lowellville and he’s a proud veteran. His advice for anyone joining the military is that they have to be willing to make a lot of sacrifices. 

     We would like to again thank our veterans for their service to our country. We appreciate all those who were in attendance for our assembly, especially Mr. Johnson for speaking.