Sachem Supports Our Troops

Veteran’s Day has real meaning to the students in the Seneca Middle School and the Waverly Avenue Elementary School. Again this year throughout the Sachem Central School District, “Sachem Supports Our Troops” brings Veteran’s Day alive through T-Shirt sales and assemblies. At the Seneca Middle School, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade student were introduced to a panel of veterans from WWII through the current conflict in the Middle East. Students asked well thought out questions that were answered honestly and poignantly by the guest veterans. The veterans were also honored by the students through lively, patriotic songs performed by the band, chorus and orchestra. Through an audio visual presentation, Team Jesse treasurer and Seneca alumni, Eileen Tang, explained how the foundation began with a promise to a friend and became a mission to help families of fallen soldiers. She reminded students how their fundraising efforts have helped Team Jesse further that mission and challenged them to find something to become passionate about and follow through in the spirit of the 520 INF’s motto “To the Limit”. A framed certificate was presented to Mr. Brian Harvey, who once again spearheaded the event, Principal Salvia and the rest of the Seneca staff and students in gratitude for their continued support. After a brunch with the veterans, it was off to Waverly Avenue Elementary for a whole school assembly. Amidst enthusiastic cheers from students and faculty wearing their Sachem Supports our Troops t-shirts, Principal John Ruggero and organizer Cathy Juliano, whose son is a current West Point cadet, presented Eileen with a check, pledged their support of Team Jesse’s mission and challenged their students to top their fundraising amount next year. In turn, Eileen acknowledged the Waverly Avenue staff with a Team Jesse Foundation Certificate of Recognition to thank them for such a successful and enthusiastic campaign. Students were encouraged to thank veterans for their service on Veteran’s Day and for the freedoms they enjoy every day.

For us who attended both celebration, it was both humbling and inspiring. Humbling to be in the presence of veterans of wars spanning many decades. Inspiring to witness younger generations honor our veterans in song and word. Sachem School District will always have a special place in the hearts of the Mincio family; all four Mincio siblings are Sachem graduates. Team Jesse salutes the district’s dedication to honoring veterans and fostering patriotism, not only on Veteran’s Day, but throughout the year.