Community Corner
Southington Schools Honor Graduates for Serving the Country
The Southington school district for the first time on Friday took a special moment to recognize graduating seniors that will be taking to military service during the Military Recognition Ceremony.
There are various plans from jobs to vacations for many of the 2013 Southington High School graduates, but for 10 the time after graduation will mark the start of their time with various branches of the U.S. military.
This selfless commitment has long been recognized in a quick moment during commencement, but Southington schools are now taking the initiative to honor those who will defend out country.
"These students distinguish themselves with maturity and a willingness to protect our freedom," School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. said. "We wanted to take a minute to recognize them and thank them for what they are doing for this country."
The district hosted their first Military Recognition Ceremony on Friday at the Southington Municipal Center, honoring each of the 10 graduates who have committed to serving in the U.S. military.
Ryan Perez, a 2013 scholarship recipient who will join the Navy ROTC at the University of Washington said he is proud to be able to serve, adding that he is looking forward to the opportunity to travel the world as part of his time with the U.S. Navy.
He follows in the footsteps of his father, U.S. Marine David Perez.
"It's something I've always considered. I grew up watching my dad serve," Ryan Perez said. "Around freshman year, I really started to consider it and it's something I believe I will have a chance to succeed in doing."
Class President Eddie Klein, who received his diploma in a touching ceremony Thursday, was also in attendance as the group received special tassels.
See Klein's touching story here.
The ceremony marks a continuing partnership that has grown between military veterans and Southington schools over the past several years. Leonard Marcheselle, a veteran and former Board of Education member said he never imagined it would grow to what it has become today, however.
"It's more than a partnership at this point," Marcheselle said. "It's a brotherhood."
Take a look at those recognized on Friday:
- Grant Ford, U.S. Navy
- Elijah Grenier, U.S. Air Force
- Grace Jiminez, U.S. Army National Guard
- Austin King, U.S. Navy
- Eddie Klein, U.S. Army National Guard
- Shawn Laucks, U.S. Marines
- Matthew Maranda, U.S. Navy
- Ryan Perez, ROTC Navy - University of Washington
- Matthew Sirois, U.S. Army
- Heidi Woodbury, U.S. Army National Guard
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