NEW CASTLE —
Patriotism and a deep appreciation of freedom were on display from every nook and cranny of the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
More than 200 Lawrence County veterans and their guests were treated to a rousing, 90-minute salute from the Mohawk School community and others during the 14th annual Veterans Day program yesterday morning.
The event was hosted by Mohawk High School’s Future Business Leaders of America and the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation. The entire student body from the junior high and senior high, including the uniformed marching band and the chorus, was bused to site.
“Forever Free, Forever Grateful” was the theme, and it came through loud and clear in word, song, dance, poetry and instrumentals that were performed during the program.
The event was the brainchild of Mohawk High student Mark Hogue, who was looking for a worthy senior project in 1998. His idea was approved and the program has grown into one of the school’s most popular activities. Hogue, a former FBLA member, is now a teacher at West Middlesex High School.
The first nine programs were staged at the high school, but when the auditorium was under renovation in 2007, the event was moved to the Cathedral, where it has remained and thrived.
Marsha Karidis, a business teacher at the school, helped students prepare for the program along with Kathy Eichenlaub and Joseph DiMuccio.
“We try to do something a little different every year,” Karidis said. “Some things have become tradition, like the New Castle Veterans Honor Guard presenting the colors.”
The program began with a video telling of the story of Francis Scott Key’s inspiration for writing the Star Spangled Banner.
Students heard the story of Leslie H. Sabo Jr., who received the Medal of Honor posthumously from President Barrack Obama during a ceremony at the White House last May.
The Ellwood City man died a hero at age 22 in 1970 when he hurled a grenade at an enemy bunker in Cambodia to save surrounded comrades. Rose Mary Sabo Brown, widow the slain soldier, was introduced.
State Rep. Chris Sainato, who was re-elected to his 10th term Tuesday night and whose committee assignments includes Veterans Affairs, delivered the keynote speech. The former teacher at Shenango High School told students they should not take the freedoms they have lightly.
The band played a “Salute to America’s Finest” during which veterans stood when the anthem of their service branch was played. There was also a recognition of students whose parents or siblings served or are serving in the military.
Choral director James McKim played a patriotic medley on the Cathedral’s Mighty Moller organ.
Gary Hassan, Derek Waddington and Ross Williams of The Veterans Memorial Pipe Band, Post 2001 VFW, Meadville, performed. Waddington is a sophomore at Mohawk.
Performed by Jenna Natale performed at interpretive dance to “Let it Be.”
FBLA officers Danielle Lucas, Andrew Henley, Mackenzie Moon, Michael Maravola and Jessica Duffy introduced guests, gave remarks and made special presentations during the student-run event.
Lorree Houk, assisstant superintendent, and principal Raymond Omer, also spoke.
Upon their arrival, veterans were presented flowers and pins in the lobby by Mohawk senior Jenna Natale and sophomore Kelcie Seth. After the program, veterans and their guests were served refreshments provided by the school’s home economics students, who baked breads and pastries.
The oldest and youngest veterans in attendance were recognized. Glen Hepler, 95, served in the Army while Russell Wilmes, 28, of Mahoningtown, is a Reservist after serving in the Air Force.
Wilmes attended with his neighbor, Jack Chmura, an Army veteran of World War II.
“I wish there were more younger veterans able to attend this,” Wilmes said. “It’s a tremendous event.”
(Email: d_burcham@ncnewsonline.com)
Local News
Related Photos
-
New Castle Area Honor Guard member Jim Butera salutes the flag during the national anthem yesterday at Mohawk’s Veterans Day Program at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Erica Galvin
-
FBLA Treasurer Michael Maravola reads a Poem, ‘1/2 Boy 1/2 Man,’ to the crowd at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Erica Galvin
-
The Mohawk Senior High Chorus sings ‘America the Beautiful.’ Erica Galvin
Discussion
Photos, Story: Mohawk students salute veterans during rousing program at Cathedral
- Local News
-
-
Movie Memories, Part 3: The Hi-Lander and Cinema theaters were the last two New Castle movie houses to go dark
Although the downtown once was dotted with movie theaters, one of the last to close was well up the North Hill. The 750-seat Hi-Lander opened in 1952, the result of a joint effort by two pairs of area drive-in owners: Al Tate and John Wincek (Highway 51 near Darlington, and John Favorite and Joe Glorioso (Blue Sky near Zelienople).
-
No tax hike in Union school budget
The Union Area School Board has introduced a $10.6 budget with no tax increase. If the $10,585,494 spending plan is approved, it will be the third year without a tax increase in the district. The property tax is at 14.42 mills.
-
Movie Memories, Part 2: Monsters, cowboys and ultimately, sex, were staples at State Theater
Second in a series: Daily through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The State Theater
-
Movie Memories, Part 1: Victor one of many long-gone local theaters
First in a series: Today through Memorial Day, the New Castle News will be looking back at some of the city’s now-defunct movie theaters. These movie houses will be seen primarily through the eyes of New Castle natives with ties to them — including “Mister Movie” himself, Leo Mickey. Today: The Victor
-
Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
-
Relay for Life set for next week
New Castle’s Relay for Life will kick off at 7 p.m. May 31 on the track at Shenango High School’s Glen “Pop” Johnston Stadium. Relay for Life is an organized, overnight fundraising walk for the American Cancer Society.
-
New Castle News names new publisher
Sharon A. Sorg is no stranger to hometown newspapers. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s been selected to lead the newspaper in her hometown. Sorg has been named publisher of the New Castle News, which is just a few miles from her residence in Pulaski Township.
-
Rockin’ Recess: Laurel youngsters earn a morning of music, health education
Hands clapping. Arms waving. Crowd chanting. That was the scene at Laurel Elementary School yesterday morning. Laurel beat out four other school districts in the UPMC For Kids and Radio Disney-sponsored “Attendance Counts” competition.
-
Memorial service scheduled
The annual Croton Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Croton Honor Roll. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly will be the guest speaker.
-
John Russo Jr. Remembered: Colleagues salute former councilman
Honest and dedicated. That is how those who knew John Russo Jr. well described him after his passing Tuesday. Russo served as a member of New Castle City Council for more than 17 years at four different times from 1985 through 2009.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Today in History May 23
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Today in History May 22
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Today in History for May 21st
Bank Shooting Rampage in Israel Kills 4
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Today in History for May 20th
Today in History for May 19th
