In recognition of Veteran’s Day, a time where the entire country honors the service of the men and women who put their lives in harm’s way to ensure our freedoms, Rowland Elementary School participated in a touching ceremony led by a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who is currently studying to be a teacher. In addition, during the process of the ceremony, two other special individuals who are part of the Rowland family were recognized as well. Led by Sergeant Gregory Hawver, an 8.5 year combat veteran in the U.S. Army and flanked by Rowland’s very own veterans, Mr. Kijinski and Mr. O’Brien, the school was led in the Pledge of Allegiance and then listened to a presentation about what it means to be a veteran.
Sgt. Hawver, who has served 4 years in active duty and the past 4 years in the reserves, is currently studying to be a special education teacher, and is also a student of Rowland instructor, Ms. Danesha Parker, at Cleveland State University. When he graduates in the spring, Sgt. Hawver will exchange the leadership of his platoon, for leading a classroom of special needs students.
During the presentation, students submitted questions to their teachers that were answered during a brief question-and-answer period. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sgt. Hawver presented Mrs. Bussey and the entire school with a United States Flag that was flown on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks for 9 minutes and 11 seconds in Afghanistan. In all, the presentation was meaningful, and students certainly had the opportunity to see firsthand how very important recognizing our veterans, past and present, is to our country.
Thank you to Sgt. Hawver for presenting and an expression of gratitude to him, Mr. Kijinski and Mr. O’Brien for their service to our country!