Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Update
September 11, 2021
We Remember "The Meaning of Service"
My words won't do it justice, but a group of John Hersey staff members coordinated a very special Meaning of Service Assembly yesterday. It was a collective effort involving other Husky community members as well. Please allow me to provide a description for you.
SOS (Service over Self) participants and Student Council representatives escorted our guests of honor to the ARC (Academic Resource Center) where the Portrait of a Soldier art exhibit was on display. Our visitors also watched a short documentary in remembrance of 9/11 produced and filmed by 2021 Hersey graduate, Ben Popovici. (Click HERE if you would like to view it...)
Jason Kanabay (Class of 2023) delivered a powerful National Anthem to set our hearts in the right place. Governor Patrick Quinn was our keynote speaker; Illinois’ 41st Governor eloquently expressed the importance of remembering those who served along with an inspiring call to service within our community. Manny Roman, (Hersey Graduate/Marine, Deshaun Richard (Hersey Staff/Marine), and Sergeant First Class Joshua Kohn honored Gold Star families with yellow Roses.
Hersey seniors Elliot Carter, Ben Clawson, Dani Skiko, and Ann Mathew represented our entire student body with excellence, each paid tribute to those who serve and served with warm and encouraging words.
Our event closed with local Healthcare Heroes, First responders, and Veterans unfurling a large United States flag together. Retired D214 staff member and officer, Larry Nowak delivered a final salute through a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace.
I’m so proud of our students for the reverent decorum they displayed during this week’s activities, especially the Class of 2022, as they were able to attend the assembly in person.
This 60-minute ceremony influenced my growth as a man and principal in a way that I can't imagine. That I was able to be a part of something so heartwarming means the world to me. Thank you to our wonderful John Hersey High staff for their hard work, thoughtfulness, attention to detail, creativity, brilliance, and heart; you made this an unforgettable experience.
To any person within our community who was personally impacted by the events of September 11th, 2001 in whatever way, shape, or form; we stand with you. We will remember. Thank you to our Gold Star families who shared yesterday with us; we send you our love.
Students, let yesterday and today serve as a reminder to seek ways to serve others. It doesn’t have to be in the form of heroism, it could be through simple kindness and respect. I vowed to Governor Quinn that we would extend this idea far beyond the assembly. This is who we are, we are community builders. Always remember...Huskies Run as One.
Mr. Keir Rogers
Email: keir.rogers@d214.org
Website: https://www.d214.org/jhhs
Location: 1900 East Thomas Street, Arlington Heights, IL, USA
Phone: (847)718-4810
Twitter: @mrrogersnhood
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