The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Horizon Science Academy celebrates local veterans
Military veterans lined up Nov. 13 at Horizon Science Academy, 760 Tower Blvd. in Lorain, to be honored with a free drive-thru breakfast and special gift from the students and staff.
Traditionally, the school hosts yearly events to honor veterans, said assistant principal Jayson Bendik.
This year, the school partnered with Aramark, a food service provider, to serve a boxed breakfast including pancakes, eggs, sausage and beverages to veterans.
Aramark donated about 30 meals for the Veteran’s Day event.
Horizon kitchen manager Jody Binggeli said she was proud to serve breakfast to those who served in the armed forces.
“It gets me teary-eyed,” Binggeli said. “They deserve to be celebrated.
“I think we made them feel special.”
The gesture was meant to show the community serving in the armed forces makes one a hero, Binggeli said.
“It shows the community that you don’t have to be serving right now to be recognized,” she said. “You are heroes.”
For U.S. Navy veteran Walter Benco, the gesture
from Horizon was greatly appreciated.
“I like actions; they speak louder than words,” Benco said. “This school always proves their words with actions.
“It means a lot to those who have served in the armed forces. It means a lot to show gratitude.”
Bendik handed out breakfast and gift bags which included letters from students, a Horizon face mask and an American flag pin.
“Veterans Day is one of my favorite holidays,” he said. “There are a lot of people in my immediate family who served in the military.”
For Shawn Simmons, Horizon’s high school World History teacher and Air Force veteran, he said the school honors members of the military.
Simmons said in his three years at Horizon, and
each year Principal Daniel Sumer and Bendik have always had values, respected and recognized veterans’ service and made Veterans Day special.
As Sumer handed Simmons his gift and breakfast, both men smiled and Simmons’ face beamed with gratitude.
Simmons said being a veteran is one of his greatest honors and he’s able to share that with his students.
“I have recruiters come in and talk to the kids, and I get to tell them about my time in the service,” he said.
In the past, Simmons was apprehensive to take part in Veterans Day activities.
However, over the past few years, Simmons has started interacting with other veterans on their special day.
“I’ve been able to share stories with people from
different branches and veterans who served in differ
ent wars,” Simmons said. “I truly love the ability to
interact with other veterans.”