Middle, Upper School Ceremonies Honor Nation's Veterans

Students in both the middle and upper school gathered this morning to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans during heartfelt Veterans Day ceremonies. 

The Middle School welcomed guest speaker and current parent Mrs. Kate Arrizza, a former Naval Officer, who shared reflections on the importance of service and community. Guests in The Barker Performing Arts Center were also treated to moving performances by the middle school honor band and the chance to acknowledge members in the audience who had served their country.

Assistant Head of School Dr. Kristen Sheehan addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to the veterans and honored guests in attendance.

“Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform and answered the call to defend and protect,” Dr. Sheehan said. “Their resilience and leadership, and their commitment to serving something far greater than themselves, define them as heroes. We gather today to ensure their stories are remembered, their service recognized, and their legacy celebrated.”

She continued, “For our Middle School community, where our shared Benjamin values mean so much, this day reminds us of a greater national community and a country strengthened and safeguarded by the selfless service of our nation’s veterans. We are reminded, as we look at those service members who have joined us this morning, that freedom is not simply granted; it is protected and defended.”

On both campuses, a Missing Man Table stood as a powerful visual reminder of fallen, missing, and imprisoned U.S. service members. The symbolic display invited students to reflect on the sacrifice and absence felt within military families and communities across the country.

The Upper School ceremony featured Army veteran and guest speaker Layla Collins, who shared a message of perseverance and resilience. 

“ … This is the only country I can think of where you can be like my husband, adopted by your grandparents, and go on to serve the great state of Florida as a lieutenant governor … where you can be the granddaughter of immigrants and have the opportunity to serve our great country,” she said, referencing her Lebanese heritage. 

Collins encouraged students to take the opportunity to honor a veteran by going a step further than just thanking them for their service.

“If you want to honor a veteran, thank them. But in their honor, in honor of the sacrifices of so many, serve your communities. Work hard. And thank God for this country each and every day. Because there is no other nation like ours. And we are eternally blessed to be Americans,” she said. 

The ceremony also included musical tributes by the band, a dance performance, and a formal color presentation by the Sea Cadets.

The Upper School’s ceremony, led by Veterans Appreciation Club President Betsy Farmer, held personal meaning as she hails from a long line of military service, and her own father made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Across both campuses, the ceremonies provided students a learning opportunity and a chance to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans.