Hempfield school to host drive-thru event in honor of Veterans Day

Amanda Forrester wasn’t going to let Veterans Day pass without Wendover Middle School’s annual celebration.

But as covid-19 cases continue to surge across the state, she knew the event would not be the traditional cookie reception, luncheon and assembly. Instead, veterans will be honored by a drive-thru event consisting of students and staff wearing red, white and blue and holding student-designed, handmade signs.

“Veterans Day at Wendover is a very special day,” said Forrester, a French teacher at the Hempfield school. “In fact, it’s my favorite day of the school year.”

Forrester said she came up with the idea after “thinking about how the veterans could be feeling extra lonely this year with everything going on.” After presenting her plan to the school principal, Dave Vezendy, she worked with another teacher on how to safely execute the event.

The Wednesday program will take place on Westland Drive at 9 a.m. After the veterans wind their way through the school driveway lined by students and staff, they will receive a handmade card and a gift bag, which will be placed in their trunks to avoid direct contact.

“I felt it was important to go on with this because what we all need right now is each other,” said Forrester. “We need to look those men and women in the eyes and smile, and say thank you. I’m so excited to share this human experience with my students, my coworkers and the veterans.”

Schools across the district, which typically hold Veterans Day events, are toning it down this year due to the pandemic. Several schools are compiling videos that will be shown during class to honor the day. Students at West Hempfield Elementary School are making artwork and writing poems.

Last year, teachers at the school were awarded a plaque from AMVETS deeming their Veterans Day program excellent. Their program typically consists of breakfast and a music show.

Harrold Middle School is also hosting a Veterans In Need Drive Nov. 16-24. Donations, including hats, blankets, gloves, long sleeve shirts, body wash and more will be taken to the Veterans Affairs hospital in O’Hara on Nov. 30, said Superintendent Tammy Wolicki.

“It’s all about showing our appreciation for the sacrifice these men and women made for us and our freedoms,” Forrester said.