Photo Credits: Logan Welter
On November 8, 2024, Arrowhead’s chapter of Rho Kappa hosted a breakfast honoring the service of veterans at Arrowhead’s South Campus Cafeteria. The event was sponsored by Big Fish Contracting, American Family Insurance, Alysworth and Associates, Champion Global Power Equipment and Becker Tile Installation Inc.
Instead of rows of brown tables, the cafeteria had many smaller tables, decorated with white tablecloths, flowers and thank you cards. “It was a lot of fun planning it and we worked together very hard to make it all come together,” Taylor Malec, junior, said. “It was definitely a team effort, everyone worked so hard.”
“I am very excited for the big crowd of veterans we have coming and the fun events,” Will Hoffman, junior, said before the event started.
As the veterans entered, men were given flower boutonnieres and women a rose. They were greeted by members of both Rho Kappa, S.A.V.E., staff and family.
Sara Debord and Will Hoffman opened the event by welcoming the veterans, and the AHS North Choir then sang the National Anthem. After the anthem, Principal Kurth gave a touching speech about his former neighbor and veteran. The other musical group that performed, The AHS Wind Ensemble, played an arrangement America, the Beautiful by Samuel Agustus and Carmen Dragon.
Specialist Tim Nekich, Army-7th Armoured Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry, presented the cavalry hat , a patch for the military display at Arrowhead’s North Campus. “This school cares; they have always shown that they care,” Nekich said. “I really enjoy Arrowhead. I was impressed by the military display. Now there is something I can contribute: a thank you to the school.”
Captain Tim Tyre,U.S. Navy, gave the keynote address. He honored the different branches and spoke about the importance of military service and servant leadership.
After, there was an United States Armed Forces Salute, arranged by Douglas E. Wagner and performed by the AHS Wind Ensemble. For different parts of the song each branch was honored. Veterans who were able stood when their branch was listed. Their names were displayed on a screen, adding a personal touch.
“It was an organized effort, broken up into different ways,” Andrew Harshbarger, Rho-Kappa President, said. “We made sure to work in different groups and everyone delivered on their responsibilities.”
The 2024 Veterans’ Day Breakfast was a touching event, with inspiring stories and themes of patriotism. It brought together students and their families.
Thank you veterans for your service and happy Veterans’ Day. The Arrowhead community, and our country, is forever grateful.
