Country Day celebrated Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, with heartfelt assemblies and activities across all divisions, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans within our community and beyond.
Lower School
In the Lower School, the assembly began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, setting a respectful tone for recognizing veterans within our own faculty and staff. Lower School Director of Studies Lori Townsend Mahaffey honored Country Day’s heroes, acknowledging faculty and staff members who have served in the military:
- David Mancos (Interim Head of School and CFO), a 21-year paratrooper in the Army
- Sergeant First Class Tony Brooks (Plant Operations), who served 28 years in the Army National Guard
- Colonel Greg Walters (Facilities and Plant Operations Manager), an Air Force engineer for 26 years
- Todd Moser (Transportation Supervisor), who served in the Army National Guard for 21 years
- Tech Sergeant Tim Garner (Plant Operations) who served for 22 years in the Air Force and eight years in the Air National Guard
- Master Sergeant Chad Blackmon (Plant Operations) who served in the Air National Guard for 21 years
- Mike Ryan (Plant Operations) who served for two years in the United States Air Force
- Joe Hernick (Educational Technology) who served two years in the United States Navy as a flight deck crewman
Ten third- and fourth-grade students proudly introduced their veteran fathers, expressing their gratitude for their service. Fourth-grader Isabelle Stern thanked her father, Major Jordan Stern, for his nine years of service in the Marine Corps, including 350 combat missions in Iraq and leadership in Afghanistan. She emphasized his commitment to both his country and his family. Mr. Stern also shared insights with students on the values of service and teamwork. Special thanks to fourth-grade teacher Jeanna Prevette for organizing this meaningful program.
Middle School
At the Middle School Veterans Day assembly, students and faculty gathered to honor and reflect on the significance of service to community and country. This year’s guest speaker, Country Day parent Esther Destin, who currently serves in the National Guard, offered a powerful message. Freshly returned from her recent deployment to Western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene relief efforts where she was promoted to Sergeant, she inspired students to reflect on service to community and country, especially during challenging times. Adding to the inspiring atmosphere, choir, orchestra, and band students performed patriotic songs, creating a memorable tribute to those who serve.
Country Day parent Esther Destin with her family, including husband Yven Destin, Upper School History teacher.
Upper School
Upper School students spent the past month engaged in service projects through advisory, creating cards and decorating pillowcases, which double as laundry bags, for veterans. These projects fostered teamwork and creativity, as advisories competed for the most thoughtful and creative pillowcase designs. At Morning Meeting, students Nolan Bates and Lulu Porter shared reflections on the importance of Veterans Day, inspiring their peers to appreciate and honor the contributions of veterans.
These assemblies and activities honored the spirit of Veterans Day, fostering gratitude and reflection within our community.