On Mon., Nov. 10, from 7-8 a.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the annual Veterans Day breakfast in collaboration with National Honor Society (NHS). The event was held the day before Veterans Day in the staff lounge. Students with veteran parents were able to go and enjoy the special breakfast, courtesy of Broward County Public Schools, while celebrating their parents.

Assistant Principal Sandra Davis and retired JROTC instructor Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anders gave speeches, as well as NHS president and senior Isabella John.

“Something as small as serving breakfast shows that we are not just having a day off, we are not just saying ‘God Bless America,’ we are actually putting in effort to have a breakfast and an event for them,” John said. “Just doing our part shows that we care.”

To express their appreciation for veterans, drama student and sophomore Stella Pappas was recruited to sing the National Anthem.

The JROTC students performed a synchronized march while holding the flags of the United States and the state of Florida. This, along with a breakfast of pastries, eggs, potatoes and beverages, allowed students to honor their parents.

“Sometimes students don’t realize how many people volunteer to defend our country,” Anders said. “We’re not near a military base here in Parkland, so a lot of kids don’t know anyone who serves. It’s easy to take that sacrifice for granted unless someone stops and reminds them.”

This breakfast was an opportunity for students to recognize and show appreciation for individuals who have served in the nation’s military. The students look forward to hosting the Veterans Day breakfast next year to continue the tradition and honor the parent veterans of the school.