Grayslake Central Salutes Veterans

Editor's Note: This is one of a series of ongoing articles about efforts to honor veterans, because Veterans Day should continue beyond just one day.

Nearly 50 veterans and their family members were honored for their sacrifices at Grayslake Central on Nov. 11. The veterans made their entrance as the student choir sang a harmonic a cappella rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Associate Principal John Bolger spoke of the sacrifices made by our men and women who have served. "When we focus on the similarities we share and not the differences, freedom can flourish through our efforts," Bolger said, emphasizing that the focus of Veteran’s Day and the goal of conflicts is peace, not war.

Lalena Taylor, a Navy drill instructor currently stationed at Great Lakes, was visibly moved by the school’s support for the men and women in the military. "It is truly an honor for me to serve my country," she said.

Glen Roeck, a social studies instructor at Grayslake Central, had been called to active duty during the school year and had recently returned home after serving in Iraq and Kuwait. He spoke of many things and especially the love and support of his wife and kids.

The choir led by Jenny White and the band led by Dom Bertino entertained the guests with a patriotic medley of songs – "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "America, the Beautiful," "You’re a Grand Old Flag" and "God Bless the U.S.A."

Trumpet soloist Twinkle Patel reprised her beautiful rendition of "To the Colors" that she played during the flag lowering ceremony after each home football game.

"History is alive in this field house today," said Bolger. He concluded the assembly by asking all present to stand up, applaud, cheer and welcome home all of the veterans who honored the school with their attendance. For the six minutes that it took until the last veteran had left the field house, students and staff alike stood, applauded and welcomed our vets home.

Throughout the day various guest speakers spoke of their war and military experiences in the theatre with students from Central’s history classes. Slide shows and poignant stories of combat and friends lost kept the students' attention.

The Public Service Practicum classes and the Key Club group organized an breakfast and lunch for the vets and their guests. The PSP classes had put together a video montage of clips of students giving their personal thanks to the vets. While waiting to get in line for their food, vets read letters written by local grade school students.

PSP classes and the Key Club President Laila Sherbini thanked all of the local businesses that donated food for the event. The list included: Jewel-Osco of Grayslake, Einstein Bagels of Gurnee and Libertyville, Dunkin’ Donuts of Grayslake and Round Lake, Piggly Wiggly of Grayslake, Sunset Foods of Libertyville, Starbucks of Hainesville, Fred’s Diner of Grayslake and Lovin Oven Cakery in Round Lake Beach. The florist shop on Center Street, Entwined of Grayslake, supplied red and white carnation adornments for the vets.

Athletic Director and former Marine Tom Kim addressed the group with his thanks and appreciation. Grayslake State Farm Agent Joyce Campbell announced that on January 8, 2012 the community of Grayslake would be giving a welcome home to all vets from any war. The event will be held from 1-4 p.m. Due to the number of attendees expected, it will hosted at three locations, the Oasis/Grayslake Youth Center, the Grayslake Fire Department and the Grayslake Historical Society.

Campbell said she hoped it would be like a big "Welcome Home" hug for all veterans.

Nathania Busse, Key Club faculty sponsor, spoke to the veterans and gave them a mail call packet with letters written by students in their history classes.

"It was great to be back and see the kids at Central again," said Major Glen Roeck.

"Major Roeck is one of the best social studies teachers at Grayslake Central," said veteran and guidance counselor Glenn Miller.

Vietnam Veteran Ken Reusch said, "I was overwhelmed with all of this. I was really impressed with the kids at Central."

Former Marine Bill Vargo said, "This was fun. It was great to interact with the kids. It’s a good thing for the kids to talk with the older men and women and vice versa."

PSP students and members of the Key Club, the largest service organization of its kind in the U.S., did all of the planning, organized the menu, made videos decorated and solicited donation from local businesses to make it happen.

"We thought it would be easy but found out how much work was involved when we actually got around to doing it," said senior Alex Wilson. "We wanted to make the event special."

Senior Tommy Ruzzier said, "The PSP is a great class. I love it. It’s more than just information and facts and gives us opportunities to learn real life skills that we will use in the future."

"I love PSP. It’s a great class. It prepares you for life and it’s great to work with the community and help others out," said Wilson. "The breakfast went really well. I was really impressed with the job we did and how well everything came together."