The importance of Veterans Day, and some very special guests who served, were the center of attention on Monday, November 10th as McConnellsville Elementary School celebrated its annual Veterans Day Assembly.
The entire student body gathered in the newly-constructed gym/auditorium for the ceremony, which opened with the pledge of allegiance and national anthem as presented by the McConnellsville Student Council. The council works under the direction of advisor Shelley Malenowski.
With the program called to order, first year principal Kathy Zangrilli began the proceedings with some opening remarks. She stressed the importance of recognition for our veterans and the work they do for our nation and community, discussed the origins of Veterans Day, and explained the significance of the six different branches that make up the US Armed Forces - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
The floor then belonged to McConnellsville students and a few staff members that introduced 33 special veteran guests from a variety of branches, ranks, and eras, including active duty servicemembers, current staff members, recent graduates, and one servicemember recognized posthumously.
Among the employees, technology staff member Vernon Downs, a retired Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, was introduced by colleague Lydia Barnes. School Patrol Officer Paul Russo was also a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and also served in the Marine Corps reserve. He was introduced by his granddaughter, Pre-K student Sarah Jane Blair. Finally, first grade teacher Erica Wimberly was honored in front of a building-wide audience for her service in the Marine Corps, where she advanced to the rank of Corporal. She was introduced by second grade student Ellie Mehl.
Two recent graduates in active duty service took time to join the program as well. Lilyan Baker ‘24, an E4 specialist in the Army, was introduced by Skylar and Paityn Wehnke. Colton Harrington ‘25, a specialist in the Army National Guard, was introduced by Evelynn Dote.
The McConnellsville community paid posthumous tribute to 2003 Camden High School graduate Josh Reber, marking the first Veterans Day since his passing in January 2025. Reber achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps before an honorable discharge in 2008. Zangrilli offered the introduction on behalf of Bristal and Hudson Reber.
A moment was also included to recognize the recipients of this year’s care packages from the McConnellsville Student Council through the 10th Mountain Division's “Adopt a Platoon” Program. This year’s soldiers come from Army Delta Company 3-10, and are currently stationed at Ft. Huachaca, AZ. The program closed with a school-wide singing of “The Brave” by John Ruggio, and closing remarks from Zangrilli.
The following Veterans received honors at the ceremony:
Phillip Amway - Navy
Eugene Babcock - Army
Lauren Baird - Air Force
Lilyan Baker - Army
Colin Boots - Navy
Justin Davis - Air Force
Vernon Downs - Navy
Cornelius Faber - Army
Ben Franklin - Marine Corps
Herb Franklin - Marine Corps
Anthony Glessing - Marine Corps
Stephen Glessing - Air Force and Marine Corps
Patrick Grygiel - Army
Colton Harrington - Army National Guard
Nathan Jewell - Air Force
Don Logan - Marine Corps
Russell Loomis - Army
Mark Marzella - Navy
Roman Matysyuk - Army
Josh Mushak - Army
Andrew Patnode - Army
Josh Reber - Marine Corps
Katrina Reed - Air Force
Paul Russo - Navy and Marine Corps Reserve
Todd Walker - Army
Floyd Whitney - Navy
Paul Seibel - Army
Tiffany Vaile - Air Force
Dan Valerio - Air Force
Michael Webb - Air Force
Michael Whaley - Army
Erica Wimberly - Marine Corps
Robert Youngs - Army Reserve
