The Lower School community recognized Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, with an assembly in their gym. Students and teachers were dressed in red, white and blue for the occasion — with some classes wearing colorful paper hats that read “Thank You, Veterans” — and numerous special guests were in attendance.

The event included contributions from several Lower School students: Alex Jackson ’32 and Charlotte de la Salle ’32 presented the United States and North Carolina flags, respectively, to open the assembly. Student Council President Rowan English ’32 then led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and Aria Welburn ’32, Avery Lam ’32 and Hayes Gerber ’32 led the singing of the national anthem with accompaniment by S.K Chipley on piano. 

Head of Lower School Jennifer Baccus welcomed students, teachers and guests, which included more than a dozen parents, grandparents and other family members who are veterans of America’s armed forces. 

Attendees then enjoyed brief remarks from special guest Derrick Willard, Head of School, who is also a veteran. Willard attended Davidson College on an ROTC scholarship before serving four years as an officer in the Army. During that time, Willard was part of the storied 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Willard spoke about what it meant to be a soldier in the armed forces. “After college, it was my full-time job every day for four years. I got up every day, put on a uniform and went to work with other soldiers. We trained to protect our country or other countries if the president called on us to do so,” he said. Asking students to raise their hands if they have family members who served in the different branches of the armed forces, Willard added, “I encourage you, when you see them or talk to them on the phone, to say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ That will make them feel special today.”

He then connected what he learned in the Army to Lead From Here at Ravenscroft. “I learned great lessons about being accountable, motivated, resilient, communicative, collaborative and ethical,” he said. “When I was in Ranger School, we had a saying, ‘Rangers lead the way!’ Maybe ours should be, ‘Ravens lead the way!’”

Baccus then played recordings of each division’s anthems, asking guests who have served to stand when they heard their branch’s song. Students applauded each group and then clapped along to the music, bringing their excitement and energy to the program.

In closing, first-grade teacher Erin Hunter and her son William ’28 stood with her father, Vietnam veteran Kent Webb, and gave the benediction. 

Hunter said of her participation in the assembly, “It was such an honor when Jen Baccus asked if we would like to say the closing prayer at the Lower School Veterans Day ceremony. This ceremony holds a special place in my heart, with my dad attending every year since my daughter, Annabelle ’24, was in Kindergarten, alongside my mom, who we lost four years ago. Being part of a school where I work and where my children attend, honoring veterans’ sacrifices with such a meaningful tradition, is something I deeply treasure.”

“Our annual Lower School Veterans Day celebration is my favorite event of the year,” Baccus added. “We have so many Lower School students with family members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, and this event gives us a chance to share our gratitude with them. This year was extra special in that our new Head of School and Army veteran Derrick Willard was our guest speaker!”