Braden River Middle students receive lesson in sacrifice
School salutes veterans during its annual ceremony
By
Berkley Mason
| 3:40 p.m. November 10, 2016
East County
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Students, teachers and administrators at Braden River Middle School embraced their patriotism Thursday morning during the school's 16th annual Veterans Day service.
"It's a good way for our students to see, and recognize, there are people out there who have made sacrifices for them," said Braden River Middle School Principal Randall Petrilla. "Sacrifices were made so they can go to a public school and learn, dream and achieve in a free society."
The event, held a day before the actual holiday, included performances from the school's choir and band.
Lakewood Ranch High School's JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. The guest speaker was Randy Gangle, a 30-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.Â
Lakewood Ranch High JROTC color guard members Jennifer Gaffers, a senior, and Kaley Gee, senior, present the colors.
Braden River music teacher Celia Sperotto leads the choir in "You're a Grand Old Flag."
Braden River Middle School eighth-grader Will King plays the trumpet to conclude the Veterans Day service.
Bill Skinner, commander of the Korean War Veterans, Manasota Chapter 199, and combat veteran Roy Robinson salute during the Veterans Day service.
Lakewood Ranch High JROTC members Kendyl Brahler, a sophomore, and Wyatt Christie, a senior, stand at attention as the flag is raised.
Braden River Middle School seventh-grader Katelyn Nugya waits for her chance to play the violin at her school's Veterans Day ceremony.
The newest panels of the Veterans Wall of Honor, designed by student Sophie Buckwalter, and constructed by sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade art students, is displayed.
Thomas Fraser, a Lakewood Ranch JROTC senior, raises the flag.
Braden River Middle School eighth-grader Niah Shrock plays the cello at the Veterans Day service.
Braden River Middle School students surrounded the center quad of the campus to pay their respects to veterans.
