MAMS Hosts Annual Veterans Day Program
Middletown Area Middle School (MAMS) marked Veterans Day with the annual Veterans Day breakfast and program. This was the 27th year for the program and just as in years past, it was a meaningful ceremony for staff, students, and veterans in our community, many of whom attend with their grandchildren who are MAMS students.
Middletown native and PA Army National Guard 1SG Jessica M. Raven was the event’s featured speaker and shared with students her journey from Middletown to deployments all over the world. While a student at Middletown Area School District, 1SG Raven was part of the WMSS radio program and said that experience helped her gain clear and concise communication skills and stand out and operate at a level above the rest. She encouraged students to better themselves each day and celebrate the successes and accomplishments of their peers.
The event featured a medley of patriotic music from the MAMS Band and essay readings from students Zachary Ponnett (sixth grade), Jacquelyn Mick (seventh grade) and Marissa McDaid (eighth grade), who are all finalists in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest. Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces were also recognized.
The event concluded with the laying of a memorial wreath by MAMS Student Council officers and eighth graders Chloe Adams and Kannon Orris. Taps was played by eighth grader Leah Snyder.
MASD would like to thank American Legion Post 594, VFW Post 1620, Moose Lodge Post 410, Lower Swatara Lions Club, and Middletown Anglers and Hunters for their sponsorship of the event.
Middletown native and PA Army National Guard 1SG Jessica M. Raven was the event’s featured speaker.
The MAMS color guard performed during the MAMS Band patriotic melody. While in middle school at Middletown, 1SG Raven was part of the color guard. Following the event she had a chance to meet and talk with current members (pictured below).
Mr. David Coffey, MAMS Social Studies teacher, served as the program’s master of ceremonies. In his remarks he said we must remember things that can lead to peace and use reasoning to solve our differences.
Seventh grader Jacquelyn Mick, a finalist in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest, wrote about trusting in American democracy and doing whatever you can - no matter your age - to support democracy.
Veterans at the event were invited to stand and be recognized during their branch song and flag presentation.
MAMS Student Council officers Chloe Adams and Kannon Orris concluded the event with the laying of a memorial wreath.