lum Borough School District
PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The Plum Borough School District has a rich history of honoring the members of the armed services who have given their all in the service of our country .
For decades , the Plum Senior High School Band has had the honor of leading the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade , one of the longest-standing Veterans Day Parades in the country that has paid homage to those who served our country since 1919 .
Bethany Loy now directs the band , and as a Plum alumna herself she has fond memories of marching in the parade as a band member under the direction of John Gula . Loy recalls , “ I always felt that it was a unique opportunity , as a young person , to be involved in something MUCH bigger than me . To be so close to all the war memorabilia , veterans who served , and whom we have to thank for our freedom , was really meaningful to me . At the time when I was a student , the Marching Band would play patriotic songs in a school assembly at the high school , then we would get on buses to play downtown for the parade . I remember feeling that we were contributing on a local level and on a much bigger scale when we participated in the Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade .”
Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel , himself a veteran , looks forward to attending events honoring our veterans every year . Mayor Schlegel expressed that Plum Borough students bring dignity and gravity to their tribute and that veteran participants truly love spending time with the students , sharing stories and life advice .
In addition to this banner celebration with the wider region , the district is planning a wide array of celebrations across all schools . These activities enable our students to engage
38 PLUM
Honoring Our
VETERANS
in patriotism with their peers while serving their community :
• In the weeks leading up to Veterans Day , Holiday Park students share their connection to veterans through a Wall of Heroes , honoring family members who have served or are serving within any branch of the armed services with handmade art displayed on the first floor of the building .
• Holiday Park Student Government plans an outdoor assembly honoring all Veterans of a Holiday Park student , which includes band , strings , and student-led presentations .
• O ’ Block Elementary School hosts an event for veterans that includes a parade , color guard presentation , national anthem , and patriotic songs . Each veteran who attends is recognized by name , noting their branch of service and years of service , and presented with a small gift by their student host .
• Pivik Elementary School hosts veterans for a morning that includes a breakfast , assembly , and visits to the classroom for Q & A .
• ROTC Cadets at Plum Senior High School performed a ceremony under the direction of Colonel Paul Nosek . Cadets were joined by the orchestra for their annual tribute to veterans in the High School Auditorium , honoring veterans ’ contributions and sacrifices for the nation with musical performances ; flag presentations ; POW / MIA table ; procession showcasing military uniforms from Civil War , WWII , Korean War , Vietnam War , Cold War , First Gulf War , and Iraq / Iran ; reflections ; and a reception .