This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

10/30/2018 09:21 AM

State Commissioners Honor Branford HS for Annual Veterans Appreciation Event


Educators with the Branford High School Horizons Program are shown here with a certificate from the state honoring annual efforts to bring living history to the classroom with a Veterans Appreciation Day event. Left to right: Maura Sullivan (English), Vicki Climie (Science), Rich Biondi (History), Salvatore Zarra (Math), Jenn Miller (Social Worker), Joe Briganti (Administrator, BHS)Photo Courtesy BHS Horizons

On Thursday October 25, the teachers of the Branford High School (BHS) Horizons program were recognized by the Connecticut Department of Education (DOE) and the CT Department of Veterans Affairs for the staff and students' continuing efforts to bring living history into the classroom by hosting annual Veterans Day activities.

BHS Horizons was honored with a certificate presented at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill during an event hosted by the commissioner of the state DOE as well as the commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the state of Connecticut.

In 2017, the annual BHS Anthony "Bob" Bescher Veterans Appreciation Day celebrated its 20th anniversary by honoring 40 veterans and present-day military who served in actions ranging from World War II to modern day. To recognize Veterans Day each year at BHS, the event brings in visiting veterans and military members of every branch of the Armed Services. They are celebrated by the entire student body during a morning assembly, before breaking into small group discussions in classrooms where the veterans share first-hand, "...experiences, memories and knowledge of American History," according to event coordinator, Horizons educator and Student Council advisor Salvatore Zarra. The military guests also enjoy lunch and conversation with students and staff, who sponsor the veterans' meals. The annual event is coordinated by the Horizons Program and BHS Student Council.

The 2018 BHS Anthony "Bob" Bescher Veterans Appreciation Day is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 12 at BHS during the school day; with many invited local war veterans set to attend. Military members from the Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War eras, as well as those from actions in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan are set to speak to students in assembly and break-out sessions, noted Zarra.