Powder Mill School students read poems to everyone in attendance. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – With no school on Veterans Day Friday Nov. 11, students from Powder Mill School and Woodland School gathered at the Powder Mill School auditorium for a Veterans Day assembly on Thursday.
Preschoolers and second graders of Woodland School participated along with grades three through six from the Powder Mill School.
Powder Mill School Principal Kimberley Saso started off the event by welcoming all students, teachers, staff, volunteers, and parents that were in attendance.
In front of the podium, seated, were special guests for the ceremony that were recognized. Veterans from all branches of the military were recognized for their hard work and years of service.
Master Sargent Jeffrey Zastaway was the guest speaker for this year’s assembly. Zastaway was introduced by his son, Zachary Zastaway.
The Master Sargent began his military career in 1987 when he joined the Air Force. Zastaway talked about the history of Veterans Day and what it means to be standing in front of everyone in attendance.
“I would like to thank all the veterans here in this room,” said Zastaway as he addressed the crowd. “I would like to thank Powder Mill School for having me here today.”
Zastaway served overseas during the Gulf War and most recently was deployed this spring. Zastaway noted that he now works at Barnes Airport in Westfield.
Having his son alongside him during the event, Zastaway was amazed to see the way the students took part in the assembly.
“It’s pretty impressive,” said Zastaway. “They did a really nice job.”
Air Force Veteran Wendell Phillips also couldn’t believe the effort the students and teachers put into the ceremony.
“It was heartwarming, great for the kids, great for me,” said Phillips.
Students from both schools sang songs including “America the Beautiful” as well as reading poems and doing a presentation of the Military Emblem.
The American flag that Powder Mill and Woodland School students created, is made up of letters that they wrote to military veterans. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Principal Saso explained to the crowd that students made an American flag on the wall that was made up of letters that the students wrote to military veterans.
According to Principal Saso, in the past, schools throughout the Southwick-Tolland-Granville school district have done Veterans Day assemblies, but this year marked the first time Powder Mill School and Woodland School joined together.
“It was great to bring our two communities together,” said Saso.
As it was special to see several of the military veterans in attendance, having grandchildren participating in the ceremony or have had kids go through these schools, the support towards the veterans was the most important aspect.
These are people who fought for us,” said Saso. “We do need to thank them.”
