BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson County Vocational School is showing its appreciation to past and present military members, thanking them for their service, through a special event to be held Monday.

The school will host a veterans’ breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the school’s cafeteria. The meal will be catered by students enrolled in the culinary arts program. Superintendent Ted Gorman explained the festivities were a way to honor and thank local veterans for their service.

“We are proud to open our doors and honor the men and women who served our country,” Gorman said. “Our students are excited to host this breakfast and personally thank the veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom. It is a meaningful opportunity for our young people to learn from, and show appreciation to, true American heroes.”

Students and staff invited veterans to attend the student-led program, which will include a welcome by Katie Rivers, the leading in the Pledge of Allegiance by Mia Nolan and the invocation given by Adrianna Jackson.

The program will then allow time to enjoy a breakfast buffet, served by the culinary students. The event will continue with recognition of veterans by Maddie Higginbotham. Trenton Hess and Tucker Winski will provide student reflections, followed by a moment of silence for fallen and missing service members, led by Nolan.

The morning will conclude with a benediction by Rivers and closing remarks by Gorman.

Gorman noted approximately 50-70 guests are expected to attend, including veterans and family members.

Officials said they hope to make the breakfast an annual tradition moving forward.

“We are proud of our students for taking a leadership role in honoring our veterans,” Gorman concluded. “The goal is to recognize service, teach appreciation and build strong community connections.”