In an extraordinary tribute to service, sacrifice and the power of storytelling, Hauppauge High School recently welcomed a group of veterans to speak directly with students about their experiences in war.
Veterans included Frank D’Aversa (U.S. Navy, Hauppauge resident and parent of a Hauppauge alumnus), Charlie Hamlet (U.S. Army), John Kuroly (U.S. Air Force), Grace Mehl (U.S. Navy, Hauppauge resident and Hauppauge alumna), Mike O’ Leary (U.S. Navy), Ron Pacchiana (U.S. Navy) and Clarence Simpson (U.S. Army).
The visit left an indelible impact on the high school community as students listened intently to the firsthand accounts of bravery, loss and resilience. From passing around a Purple Heart medal to viewing wartime photographs, students were deeply moved by the real and raw experiences shared by the veterans. The most memorable part of the presentation for me was the Purple Heart being passed around,” said student Andrew Congema. “It stood out because it put their service into a broader perspective, showing how much he sacrificed for his country.
Student Jake Lewandowski was struck by the veterans' vulnerability, saying, One of them was telling the story about how one of his good friends died, and he started crying. That was very memorable to me. Such moments helped students connect to the human realities behind the uniforms and medals.
The presentation challenged many students to reflect on how young the veterans were when they served. It’s amazing to me because I can’t see myself having to go through the horror that they had to go through at my age, said Aidan Buscarino. Student Andrew DiBenedetto added, People my age were fighting on the front lines of Vietnam. It really made me think about all the sacrifices they must have had to make.
For many, the event also reshaped their understanding of Memorial Day. To the veterans, Memorial Day is about the ones lost in battle; buddies who didn’t make it back. That was the most powerful part to me, a student shared.
Above all, the presentation was a powerful lesson in empathy and gratitude. As one student eloquently summarized, It was a first-hand experience. It made all the stories very surreal and showed me that these are real people like me and my peers.
“We are always grateful to the veterans from our Hauppauge community and beyond who take the time to share their experiences with our students, “ said Director of Social Studies and World Languages Kelly Barry. “Their voices bring history to life in ways that go far beyond the pages of any classroom resource. We are proud to be part of a community that values authentic learning and continually seeks ways to honor those who have served and continue to serve us.”
By bringing veterans into the classroom, Hauppauge High School created a bridge between generations and reminded all in attendance of the enduring legacy of those who serve.
