Brandywine Heights Area School District sponsored its 15th annual Veterans Day Program and Luncheon at the middle school Nov. 11, and awarded the Patriot Award to a veteran.
Sen. Judy Schwank presented the Brandywine Heights Patriot Award – which recognizes a veteran or community member or group for exceptional service to this country and/or community – to Navy veteran Barry Epting. A local resident and life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Topton, Epting has also been involved with the Brandywine Minstrels for about 30 years, making scenery and working as back stage crew.
“Besides gardening, he can be found helping out his neighbors,” said Schwank. “His wife fondly calls him ‘Rent a Husband’ because when it comes to helping people he has never been able to say no.”
Schwank said Epting is well deserving of this year’s Patriot Award.
Presenting the Patriot Award plaque and a certificate from the Senate to loud applause, Schwank said, “It is an honor to know you. Thank you.”
Epting said, “Thank you. This is an honor to receive the award this year.”
Brandywine Heights High School Principal Joshua Ziatyk opened the Veterans Day assembly thanking veterans.
“Words that describe what Veterans Day means to me include the following: heroic, self-sacrificing, focused. Many times we ask individuals what does Veterans Day mean to you? I’m ready to answer that today,” he said.
His uncle served in the infantry of the Army. His grandfather served in the infantry of the Army during WWII. His father was a Vietnam veteran, a gunman in a helicopter in the Cobra division, earning himself several medals.
“Everyday I idolized my dad for his efforts yet I was too proud to tell him that. Likewise he didn’t discus much of his time,” said Ziatyk. “He instilled in me that I always need to be proud and always be prepared for anything. I remember him saying to me appreciate what you have. A lot of men gave up their lives for it. Always stay focused and get the job done.”
Talking to the veterans in the audience, he said, “Your individual and collective efforts from all branches have defended our country for decades and preserved the lifestyle for our citizens… day in and day out you’ve given your country your absolute best. Today, please allow us to recognize you with our best resource … our students.”
Held for veterans who reside in the community or are relatives of students, the program honors the U.S., thanks veterans for their service, and promotes student citizenship, according to Tess Woloszanski, BHASD Veterans Day Coordinator.
Students thanked veterans by performing and reading their award-winning essays.
The BHHS Fife and Drum Corps opened the assembly, followed by band and chorus performances, including “Armed Forces Salute,” “Armed Forces – The Pride of America,” “America the Beautiful,” and poem “American Banner” by C.K. Roshong read by eighth grader Emma Heffner. Eighth grader MAddy Frack presented “Thank a Vet” by William A. Predeau. Brandywine teacher Mrs. Tucker also provided a musical presentation and there was a media presentation “My Name is America” by Herendeen and Orning.
Leading up to Veterans Day, 4th through 8th graders participated in the American Legion Americanism essay contest. Students also competed in a school-wide poster contest. Winners were recognized with a ribbon during the assembly and first place winners.
After the assembly, veterans were escorted to the school cafeteria where they were treated to a luncheon.
2014 Veterans Day Essay Contest Winners
4th Grade3rd – Kaitlin Taylor 2nd – Lukas Bojt
1st – Joselin Rodriguez5th Grade
3rd – Emma Trumbauer2nd – Naomi Sanders
1st – Katelyn DeLong 6th Grade
3rd – Olivia Deysher2nd – Lizabeth Baumgardner
1st – Caroline Burger 7th Grade
3rd – Dinah Nicoleau2nd – Jakob Hollenbach
1st – Rachel Dougherty8th Grade
3rd – Marley Turbett2nd – Elliott Newman
1st – Hanna Lambert 2014 Veterans Day Poster Contest Winners
4th Grade:1st Place: Ashley Teel
2nd Place: Hannah Swoyer 3rd Place: Josh Sterner
5th Grade:1st Place: Devin Simitz
2nd Place: Olivia Burkholder 3rd Place: Kaitlyn Miller
6th Grade:1st Place: Charli Rissmiller & Paige Krajcic
2nd Place: Liz Baumgardner, Lindsay Conrad & Makenna Haas
3rd Place: Skylar Edwards & Julie Harrier
7th Grade:1st Place: Rachel Dougherty
2nd Place: Alexa Fink & Gabrielle Levkulic
3rd Place: Andrew Ludwig & Michael Sexton
8th Grade:1st Place: Rebecca Dunning & Mihaela Costin
2nd Place: Tayler Roberts, Marley Turbett & Julia Moyer
3rd Place: Emma Godschall
