WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS — THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Thomas Jefferson High School Hosts Schoolwide Veterans Day Celebration
Nearly 100 Veterans , along with guests , all Thomas Jefferson High School students , educators , and staff members filled just about every seat in the TJ Theater for the school ’ s annual Veterans Day Celebration on Friday , November 8 , 2024 . This full-capacity ceremony celebrated and commemorated the service of our country ’ s Heroes .
The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by senior Gavin Hart , the National Anthem performed by senior Olivia Virgin and the Thomas Jefferson High School Marching Band , and the invocation given by Mrs . Suzanne Mackulin . Several times throughout the ceremony , the Thomas Jefferson High School Band , Orchestra , and Choir provided a patriotic soundtrack that served to honor all branches of the military and the selfless giving of American Veterans .
Brooke McGrew , senior , addressed the audience on her decision to enlist in the United States Air Force before graduating high school . Brooke will study civil engineering and be based in Martinsburg , West Virginia . A call to military service is multi-generational in Brooke ’ s family .
“ The United States Military is the best in the world ,” Brooke said . “ Soldiers fight every day to keep our country safe and secure . It is a true honor for me to serve in the U . S . Military . I am proud to be following in the same path that many did in my family . I would like to thank my teachers , my friends , and most importantly my family who encouraged me to take this next step in my life , and I hope this will encourage others to take it too .”
The keynote address was given by Lieutenant Colonel Chelsea Lamping . Lt . Colonel Lamping joined the Air Force in 2003 and spent 12 years flying a C-17 Globemaster before joining the Air Force Reserve and working in flight testing . With 21 years of service , she told students that the most profound lesson she learned was the power of being part of a team .
“ Teams aren ’ t just the ones who wear uniforms ,” Lt . Colonel Lamping explained . “ Teams are anyone working together towards a common goal . Your family at home , your friends , your partners for the
group project that your teacher assigned are all different types of teams . And like any good team the best ones share common values that guide them .”
Lt . Colonel Lamping compared the core values of the United States Air Force – integrity , service before self , and excellence in all we do – with the core values of Thomas Jefferson High School – empathy , respect , and integrity .
Integrity , she said , means doing the right thing , being honest with yourself and others , sticking to your values , and owning your actions . That integrity , she believes , builds trust which holds all relationships together .
“ You can show empathy in everyday moments like checking in on a friend who seems down or helping a teammate who is struggling . Even as simple as inviting someone to sit with you at lunch shows you care .”
Lt . Colonel Lamping encouraged the students to practice respect every day . But she told them , it is not just about being polite . Rather , respect is valuing oneself and others enough to give the best effort in everything .
“ When you strive for excellence , you show respect . Not just to others but yourself . I value my time , my potential , and the people around me enough to put in the effort to do my best . Respect and excellence go hand-in-hand because when you push yourself to do your best , you are showing you care about the people in the community around you .”
Those values , Lt . Colonel Lamping professed , are more than words written in mission or vision statements . They support the journey , help guide choices , and shape one ’ s future .
“ As you honor our Veterans today , remember that they too lived by a set of values , they faced unimaginable challenges , made sacrifices , and worked as a team to protect our freedoms .”
Lt . Colonel Lamping left the more than 1,000 TJ students with a challenge .
“ Live by a set of values , lead with integrity , strive for empathy , and respect yourself and others . By doing so , you ’ ll build stronger teams and a better community . And just like our Veterans did , you ’ ll pave the way for a brighter future .”
40 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS