All three divisions commemorated this year’s Veterans Day in their own unique ways, but were united in their desire to thank local veterans for their military service to this country. Over the course of the week every student at CSN wrote a letter expressing their thanks to a veteran. These letters were either sent to active-duty service members abroad or were given to local veterans’ agencies to distribute. Every CSN student also planted a flag around the campus as a symbol of gratitude for those who served. This display was especially meaningful for students in the MS and US as they had the opportunity on Thursday to interact with veterans in small groups. Just shy of 30 veterans came to campus to speak with our students in small groups and attend patriotic assemblies. Rather than having one large assembly in which all students listen to a single veteran’s experience, each advisory was assigned a veteran to allow for more personalized conversation in which the students could ask questions and really get to know what it means to serve. Veterans started the day with the US students and then visited with and enjoyed lunch with the MS students. One impetus for this event was to reunite veterans with the student who, several years ago, interviewed them and painted their portrait. These portraits and interviews were compiled into a book called Through Their Eyes compiled by MS teachers Mr. Geyer and Mrs. Stevens. It was wonderful seeing these reunions as both the veterans and the students have changed so much in the last few years. Maintaining important community relationships such as these and giving back to honorable causes is a cornerstone of who we are as members of the CSN community.  

Click here for photos of the day.  If you would like to purchase a copy of Through Their Eyes, please contact Mr. Carpentier or Mrs. Stevens. Proceeds benefit local veterans’ agencies.