STUDENTS THANK VETERANS –– Veterans stood for a moment of silence during a special program that was led by the juniors and seniors at the Jefferson County Vocational School in Bloomingdale. The Veterans Day program and breakfast was the first event of its kind, according to officials, who wanted to thank former and current military men and women for their service. Officials said they hope to continue this tradition for years to come. The event was well received, with approximately 70 people attending. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — More than 70 people gathered inside the cafeteria of the Jefferson County Vocational School Monday to honor local veterans for their service to the country.

This was the first year students invited veterans to share a breakfast, honoring each for their bravery and sacrifice.

Transition-to-work students assisted and served as ushers, while the culinary arts program served a breakfast buffet.

Katie Rivers, a junior in the auto collision program, provided the welcome and thanked veterans for their heroism, saying, “We’re so grateful for your service and sacrifice for our country.”

Mia Nolan, a junior in the animal science management program, led the Pledge of Allegiance, while classmate Adrianna Jackson gave the invocation.

“We are gathered to honor the men and women who have served our country with courage, strength and dedication,” Nolan commented. “May we honor our veterans not only with words, but with respect, kindness and service to others.”

Maggie Higginbotham, a senior in the health technologies program, presented veterans with a pin that reads “Support Our Veterans.”

“Thank you for your service and sacrifice,” she said. “These pins represent our appreciation and respect today and every day.”

Nolan asked for a moment of silence as student reflections were given by Trenton Hess and Tucker Winski.

“As students, we look up to our veterans as examples of courage, service, commitment,” Hess, a junior in the electrical trades program, commented. “Your dedication inspires us to work hard, support others and make a positive difference in our community. Thank you for inspiring us. We honor you, today.”

Winski, a senior in the carpentry program, serves in the Army. He spoke on the issues of service and sacrifice, noting he completed basic training last summer and will continue after graduation.

“Service means being part of something bigger than yourself and stepping up when needed,” he exclaimed.

“Sacrifice means giving up comfort and time with family to protect our country,” Winski continued. “To our veterans here today, thank you for leading the way and for showing us what duty and honor look like. I am proud to serve and follow the example that you have set.”

Rivers gave the benediction, praying for those in attendance and those who continue to serve.

“Dear God, thank you for bringing us together to honor our veterans,” Rivers said. “Bless them and their families. Give strength to those still serving and peace to those who sacrificed so much. Guide us to live with dedication and character, respecting and supporting those who defend our nation.”

JVS Superintendent Ted Gorman closed the school’s first event, saying he was thankful to have the school’s doors open for such a wonderful cause.

He said the school was preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s workforce, with officials wanting to showcase their abilities.

“We have a lot of jobs that we can do in our school,” Gorman said. “Instead of hiring or outsourcing our jobs, we’re training electricians, we’re training our power mechanics.”

“We have a lot of students here that are doing fantastic things,” Gorman noted. “Hopefully, as we train them, they will stay in our community and continue to grow and thrive.”

He concluded the program by saying this early Veterans Day event was started this year as a way for the school to show its support to those who have served and are serving the country and for students to understand the sacrifices made for them.

“This is our first veteran’s breakfast that we’ve ever hosted,” Gorman added. “You are the first group. But you are not going to be the last group.”