Peer Leadership Veterans Day Project

It began a few years ago with a photo display intended to honor veterans; some were graduates, others — were staff members, and others were family members of students. There was a healthy handful of photos that first year, but the goal to collect more remained in the minds of the Peer Leaders. Each year since, the number of photos has grown and the board is now filled, but so has the awareness of the importance within our students to honor our veterans. This year, the determination to make sure that veterans know of our gratitude stretched beyond the walls of our school and out into the community.

On Veterans Day, a dedicated group of students from the Peer Leadership program set out to show their gratitude and appreciation for the veterans who have served our country. Their goal was simple but profound: to make sure the veterans in their community know they are deeply appreciated for their sacrifices. The day was filled with visits, personal connections, and heartfelt thank-yous, as the students took the time to honor those who served.

Visiting Local Veterans

The students kicked off their day with a visit the New Castle Fire Department, where they were able to connect with five veterans. From there, the group made their way to meet with ten veterans from the New Castle Police Department. They were honored to have County Commissioner Chris Sainato join them. Each of these visits was an opportunity to share a smile, a handshake, and a personal thank-you. Veterans were given cards from the Peer Leaders, as well.

To continue their journey, the group traveled to several local businesses—Lowe's, Wendy's, and Bob Evan’s—where they took a moment to express their thanks to more veterans in the community. The students handed out hand-made cards, filled with personal messages of gratitude with the hope to ensure that the veterans knew that they were appreciated.

Spending Time with Veterans at Local Care Facilities

The Peer Leadership team didn’t stop there. They also made special visits to two local care facilities, Quality Life Services and The Haven Convalescent Home, where they spent time with veteran residents. Many of these veterans no longer have the opportunity to go out and participate in public events, so this visit was especially meaningful. The students took the time to listen to the veterans’ stories, providing not just cards but also a genuine connection and opportunity for the veterans to reminisce and share their experiences.

There were many moments that day, but one that made an impact involved a culmination of feelings. Robin Nye, Commercial Art junior, shares, “The overall reactions of both the workers and patients at the nursing homes once we arrived will forever stay in my heart. Everyone seemed very excited and you could tell how much the nurses appreciated the gesture.”

Peer Leadership Advisor, Donna Pasterik notes, “I think it was wonderful to see the interaction between the peer leaders and the veterans. As each student walked up, shook their hand, and thanked them for their service, you could see the gratitude and appreciation on the faces of each veteran.”

A Special Moment with Hugh Coryea

One of the most moving parts of the day was the presence of Hugh Coryea, President of the Veterans and Agent Orange Veterans Project. Hugh, a passionate advocate for veterans, personally pinned several veterans throughout the day, a gesture of respect and honor that further emphasized the significance of the occasion.

Remembering the Fallen

The students also took time to visit the Agent Orange Memorial at Cascade Park. There, they paid their respects to the fallen heroes, including the grave of George Threats, who was the first soldier from New Castle to die in the Vietnam War; he was only 20 when he gave his life fighting for our country. Earlier in the day, the students had the privilege of meeting George’s son, also named George, who was only three days old when his father made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a poignant moment for everyone involved, reinforcing the deep impact of war on families and the lasting legacy of our veterans.

Making a Difference

This Veterans Day, the Peer Leadership team not only learned about the importance of service, but they also made a meaningful difference in the lives of local veterans. Whether it was through a simple card, a shared story, or just a heartfelt thank-you, the students demonstrated the true spirit of appreciation and respect for the men and women who have served our country.

When visiting the local nursing homes, junior Veterinary Assistant student Elizabeth Donegan noted, “My father is a veteran of the Iraq War, so I’ve been raised to always show respect to military people and their families. Visiting with the patients gave me an opportunity to help the residents know that we think the world of their service.” She adds, “I hope we can do this again.”

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, it’s important to remember that gestures of gratitude—whether big or small—have a lasting impact. The Peer Leadership program’s efforts on Veterans Day helped to ensure that our local heroes knew they were remembered, honored, and truly appreciated for everything they have done.

To all the veterans: Thank you for your service. We are forever grateful.