West Babylon Students Honor U.S. Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day every year, members of the West Babylon school community come together to demonstrate their appreciation for the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect American freedoms.

Throughout the month of November, district students took part in a myriad of activities that paid homage to veterans. In several West Babylon schools, including the junior high and Santapogue Elementary, images of veterans lined the hallways. On display were photos of former students, faculty and staff family members who served or are currently serving in the armed forces. The displays also included photos of soldiers who fought in wars dating back to the Spanish-American War.

“In addition to honoring heroes, it is our hope that when the students see these photos – and see active-duty military from our community alongside the black-and-white photos dating back to the Civil War – they will see how we are all connected to the history lessons they are exposed to in class,” said social studies teacher Thomas Horstmann, who offered his grandfather’s photo for the junior high school display.

Other district students, including the student council members of JFK Elementary School, took the time to write letters of gratitude to veterans and active-duty military. Kindergarten students of Tooker Avenue wrote thank you cards and sent them to the VA hospital, while members of the West Babylon Junior High School Community Service Club, under the guidance of teacher Lorraine Zemba, took part in Applebee’s Restaurant’s Thank You Movement, one of the largest ongoing military appreciation efforts.

Under the supervision of teachers Jim Egbert, Lynette Jabour and Christina Ludwig, tenth-grade honors English classes at West Babylon Senior High School have compiled a book of interviews that they’ve gathered from the veterans in their lives. This project, initiated by Mr. Egbert, is printed every year and distributed to various veteran groups.