Edison Intermediate School in Westfield thanked America’s veterans on November 15 in a filled gymnasium decorated in red, white and blue banners paying tribute to the country’s servicemen and women.
Special guest, Brenda Sue Fulton, who in 1976 was a member of the first female class in the US Military Academy at West Point, gave three reasons why she is proud to be a US Army veteran: Leadership, respect for all, and support of the constitution. Fulton was a signal officer, served as both a platoon leader and company commander in Germany, before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of Captain.
Several other invited veterans lined the bleachers while being entertained by the school’s concert band and 8th grade chorus under the direction of John Scozzaro, Kenneth Horn, and Kristine Smith-Morasso. In addition to music, a slide show, and readings by students, a salute to the flag was accompanied by the presentation of colors by the Combat Logistics Battalion 25 from Red Bank, NJ.
Edison Principal Matthew Bolton took time to advise the 829 member study body comprised of sixth, seventh and eighth graders. “You are going through a significant time in your life,” stated Dr. Bolton. “You make decisions about who you want to be. You need models for good character and values. There are no better models than the United States veterans,” he concluded.
“Our veterans protect our rights,” stated Social Studies teacher and Master of Ceremony, John Stasi. “Say ‘Thank You’ every chance you get.”
(above) Principal Matthew Bolton (far left) and Social Studies teacher John Stasi from Edison Intermediate School in Westfield welcomed guest speaker Brenda Sue Fulton to the school’s Veteran’s Day assembly. Fulton is a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and was a member of the Academy’s first class to admit women. Eighth graders in the chorus conducted by Kristine Smith-Morasso and Kenneth Horn are seated in the foreground.
