On November 8th CCE classes hosted a luncheon honoring veterans for veterans day. They began their day by meeting with their loved ones in the activities lobby, followed by watching a slideshow and listening to speeches by fellow veterans then walking through the cafeteria in front of the student body. Afterwards, they enjoyed a catered brunch from Andres.
Eighteen years ago, this tradition was created by the former CCE teacher Renee Revis, which was passed on to current personal finance and CCE teacher Laurie Philipp. Philipp says that the luncheon was created by DECA, a branch of CCE.
“So it started as a DECA event, which is a part of the CCE program. It’s a business club and another teacher who is retired, Renee Revis, started it 18 years ago. So I took it over and it fits into the curriculum for the class because they get to plan the event.” Philipp said
Philipp says that the process of organizing the luncheon takes months to prepare everything and find dates that work well.
“We started back in April to get the date and then we had to work on all the logistics and having the space and chairs, having to cater all the food. My class [CCE] works on all the flyers and we advertise on social media within the community” Philipp said.
Philipp says that her favorite part of the Veteran’s luncheon is when they walk through the cafeteria in front of the students.
“My favorite part is the veterans walking through the commons because the veterans love it so much, they get so excited and some of them cry, they just get really emotional and I love it.” Philipp said.
Sophomore Maddeson Chonech shares that her grandpa, Edward Chonech, was a 3rd Class Petty Officer, he was deployed on an aircraft carrier to Tonkin Gulf, Vietnam. He served for 2 years, 1965-1967 and was in the navy. Edward Chonech says that walking through the cafeteria was great and that he thought the entire event was organized well.
“I thought walking through the cafeteria was so fun, getting to see all the kids and I thought that the event was handled so well and the service from the students was great.” Chonech said.
Sergeant Major Lindsey Cruse is in the Army National Guard. She began serving in 2001 and is currently still working with the Military. She was deployed overseas into Iraq, Afghanistan, and is now working in South County. Sergeant Cruse spoke during the assembly in the theater.
Edward Chonech says that he thought Sergeant Cruse’s speech was very informational and that he enjoyed listening to her speech.
“I thought the Sergeants speech was very informative and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought her talking about her experiences was very enlightening.” Chonech said.
