Gabrielle Apisa '27
On November 7, 2024, the Scholar’s Society offered a well-deserved “thank-you” to numerous veterans of the Fontbonne community. From 4:00 to 5:30 P.M., Scholar’s Society members gathered in the cafeteria beside their honorary guest: a close-to-home, noteworthy member of the U.S. armed forces.
November 11, the official day of commemoration, is often overlooked by the instant gratification a day off from school offers. The Scholars collectively recognize this, so they especially understand the importance of a salute.
As veterans and fellow family members made their way to the cafeteria tables, they entered a small-scale Amazon gift card raffle and enjoyed the delightful table centerpieces, colorful streamers, and other distinct American-themed decorations.
The vibrant, wildly embracive state of the cafeteria is accredited to just about all Scholar’s Society members. Impressively enough, Ms. Sosa, a club moderator, shared that the Scholar’s Society had “one hundred percent participation.” Considering the sheer extent of student-led efforts, it would be hard to deny FHA’s devotion to the defenders of our nation.
Before the formal series of activities commenced, veterans spent time with the Scholars who extended them an invitation. At its core, this event was not merely about saying “thanks,” of course, that was an essential element, but, truthfully, the real wonder was rooted in veteran-student interactions.
Mr. Loftus, a co-moderator of the Scholar’s Society, had to admit that “seeing the smiles on the veterans' faces was the pinnacle of the event.”
Although relatively small, the Veterans Day event welcomed fathers, grandfathers, and family friends who have a background in all different branches of the U.S. military. Coming face-to-face with those who, in many cases, have put their lives on the line for the American people was, as Mr. Loftus mentioned, an “eye-opening experience.”
Moreover, after a short introduction, a pledge of allegiance, and an opening prayer led by the Scholar's Society Leadership Team, students, families, and veterans reflected on a few heartfelt poems. Starting with Noa Zizmor’s piece entitled “Hope Because of You,” followed by “Bold They Are” by Talia Steinberg, all guests took a moment to stand before the thought of sacrifice and selflessness, two major principles of the United States military.
After recognizing the words of some American leaders, including Maryland’s former State Representative, John Delaney, and our sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln, attendees came to realize that veteran appreciation is embedded in all walks of life. Starting within the walls of Fontbonne Hall, our American warriors deserve to be revered, honored, and holistically applauded for their service.
To close off this event on an exciting note, Scholar’s Society Leadership members Maryann Polanco, Giana Stines, Kylie Martinez, and myself, Gabrielle Apisa, conducted the drawing for the Amazon gift card raffle. Three lucky guests were each awarded a twenty-five-dollar Amazon gift card.
Overall, this Veterans Day event was nothing short of a success. Although it was just the first Scholar’s Society event of its kind, I speak on behalf of the entire Fontbonne community when I say that we hope it joins the lustrous line of FHA traditions.
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