Though the weather was a bit cold -- a record-breaking 14 degrees for this time of year, many United States Veterans were able to attend the event. Alongside the veterans were families and friends who were pleased to show how much they appreciate those who served our country.
The students learned how to spot a United States Veteran -- by their distinctive hats and outerwear. While traveling the parade route, LCCTC SkillsUSA students searched the crowd, and when they caught sight of a service man or woman, they broke ranks to make sure that vet knew how much his or her service was appreciated.
SkillsUSA state gold medalist, Jenna Locke (Class of 2017) stated, “It was wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of the veterans, young and old alike, when one of us walked up to them to thank them for their service. They seemed pleased to have us shake their hands.” Jenna also graduated with Jake Troutman who would would have loved to join in, but he is currently completing his basic training as a United States Marine; he was on the hearts and minds of the team today, as well.
LCCTC Junior Tabatha Zang, also a 2017 gold medalist, said, “The parade was moving -- the patriotism was evident. I was happy that we were able to make such a positive impact on our community and really enjoyed being allowed to break from our group to shake the hands of some of the Veterans we saw. I could see the appreciation on their faces. I know it made them feel good; we were honored to be able to do this, as well. It was an amazing experience.”
As a general rule, the team enjoys getting together, but this day became so much more than just a gathering to benefit them; the Veteran’s Day Parade gave LCCTC’s SkillsUSA students the chance to thank those they never met for their service. The Opening and Closing team and other SkillsUSA members were able to ensure that those who served would understand the depth of appreciation for what they have done. Because of their actions, these students are able to have a chance of a wonderful life.
The Lawrence County Career and Technical Center staff and students thank the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.
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| Ready for the Parade! LCCTC SkillsUSA students: *Dayuna Ware, *Tabatha Zang, Alexis Herold, *Tristyn Gravatt, Haleigh Lee, *Felicity Weir, Jaden Locke, *Krista Berkley, * **Jenna Locke (Class of 2017), Trenton Yale, and Matthew Fuller *2017 SkillsUSA State Gold Medalists **2016 SkillsUSA State Gold Medalist |
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| These two make the world even more beautiful! |
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| All bundled up -- ready to walk! |
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| Waiting in 14 degrees doesn't feel so cold when you're with friends! |
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| Luke and Matt -- thanks for your help with our banner! Ready...set... |
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| Go! |
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| We're so glad that Jenna Locke, Class of 2017 (far right), could join us. As a member of SkillsUSA at LCCTC, she has accumulated the most medals of any competitor in recent history: three district golds, one state silver, two state gold, and one national bronze! A former introvert, Jenna now works in home health care and tells us that she probably got the job because of her experience with LCCTC's SkillsUSA Opening and Closing team! |
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| We're glad that Alexis Herold (far left) could join us; she will compete in Job Demonstration with her service dog, Leo. |
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| Walking makes us warm! It hardly feels like 14 degrees! |
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| ...but greeting Veterans warms our hearts... "Thank you for your service, sir..." Spontaneously, the kids realized that they could take this opportunity to thank any and every vet they could find...and they did! |
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| Getting ready to head downtown... |
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| Thank you for your service, gentlemen. |
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| Walking in the Veteran's Day parade was such an honor; we were proud to be able to represent our school and show our appreciation to those who served. |
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| Greeting dignitaries including public servants Representative Chris Sainato and County Commissioner Dan Vogler and heroes of our country |
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| Greeting a veteran who just happens to be a former teacher at LCCTC, David DeRosa Sr. |
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| On a day like today, let's not forget to thank our first responders! We appreciate their service, too! |
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| Our final block of the parade; as we finish, we realize that being able to come together as a team was an initial benefit, but representing our school as we paid tribute to those who served our country made us grateful. To all who serve and who served we say, "Thank you for your service." |
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"Smile my boy, it's sunrise." ~ Robin Williams' character, Teddy Roosevelt in Night at the MuseumJaden is a junior studying Computer and Office Tech. She enjoys taking part in SkillsUSA's Opening and Closing team. When she graduates, she plans to attend Pittsburgh Technical College for Video Production and work as a broadcaster in the technical field.
