Fifth-graders at Latham Ridge Elementary School spent the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6 honoring veterans from the North Colonie community. The event began with an introduction of the veterans in attendance, which consisted of several family members of Latham Ridge students. Students started the introductions talking about the veteran they nominated to attend and how they were related to them. From here, veterans introduced themselves to the community, explaining their roles during their time in the military and what tasks they typically performed.
Following these introductions, students were given the chance to participate in a variety of fitness challenges led by U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Foster. Challenges included push-ups, planks, high jumps, and more. The challenge concluded with a plank competition, during which seven students held a plank for five minutes, with their classmates cheering them on. At the conclusion of the fitness challenge, veterans were invited to sit, talk, and enjoy brunch with students.
This is the eighth year this event, which was organized by fifth-grade teacher Michele Sano, has taken place at Latham Ridge.
“Our Veterans Day event is an opportunity to not only express our gratitude in words, but to also show our gratitude for veterans in our community,” Sano said. “Students get to recognize their family members and get to spend time and have conversations with these heroes face-to-face. It’s an honor to be able to celebrate our veterans and teach a new generation about why it is important to honor those who stand up for our freedoms.”
