Students Honor Nation’s Veterans With School-Wide Ceremonies

The Benjamin School community took a reflective pause the morning of November 11 in honor of our nation’s veterans. Both campuses honored these brave men and women for their selfless sacrifices during early morning ceremonies. 

Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr welcomed students to the special assembly, which was an opportunity to honor “those among us who have served our country and, in doing so, served all of us.”

President of the Veterans Club Luca Balzano officiated the ceremony, and welcomed World War II Veteran SN Robert Goldstein to share memories of his time in service with the upper school community.

Current Benjamin employee and US Army Veteran SFC Peter Panuthos, told students about the sacrifices he and fellow servicemen made overseas, including forgoing the comforts of home. Panuthos shared of his time in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. 

Attendees were also treated to performances by the upper school band and chorus along with the Dazzlers dance team. 

Middle school students along with fourth and fifth grade students assembled on Kennerly Field at the lower/middle school campus for a special Veterans’ Day celebration of their own. They honored our nation’s veterans with vocal performances, poetry readings, musical tributes, and speeches.  

Students heard from middle school English and social studies teacher Mr. Robert Bayless, about his father who was a WWI veteran. 

“Everyone in 1941 remembered where they were when they heard about Pearl Harbor. On that Sunday afternoon, my dad was playing touch football. All the young men knew they would be going into the service,” said Bayless.

Bayless shared the story of his father’s time in the Navy and Marines before his death at the age of 49. 

“Dad is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, along with my mother who died in 2016. He instilled in his family the love and pride that he had in our country. Semper fi, Dad,” said Bayless.