Home of the Brave

Izabella McKenna, Carlyn Tony, and Isabella Giammarino

November 14, 2024

Veterans standing and reconnecting around the table set up in the lobby before the assembly.

Isabella Giammarino

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Veterans on the stage waiting for the assembly to begin.

Izabella McKenna

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Colonel William Carrol giving a speech to his fellow veterans about L/CPL Donald R. Ouellette.

Isabella Giammarino

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A veteran along with his grandson listening to the speech giving by the colonel.

Isabella Giammarino

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Veterans along with some of their family members taking the time to honor Ouellette.

Isabella Giammarino

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After paying respects to Ouellette, a veteran begins to walk away while his grandson still looks back on history.

Isabella Giammarino

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Veterans in the social studies office eating and talking while waiting to go to history classes.

Adam Albaghdadi

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A veteran talking about his experience to a history class full of curious students.

Adam Albaghdadi

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On the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, World War One ended. Previously called Armistice Day, Veterans Day celebrates the millions of lives that put their country first.

Rather than taking the day off to enjoy themselves, South Windsor keeps schools open as a learning experience. South Windsor High School welcomes local veterans to come and speak of their experiences to the younger generations.

In an interview with The Prowl, Frank Rizzuto, the Social Studies K-12 curriculum specialist for South Windsor Public Schools, commented on the importance of having veterans speak within the classrooms.

“It’s just really important for students to know that whether they do or do not have family members or friends in the military, that these people [the veterans] help protect our freedoms and way of life,” Rizzuto emphasized.

To start the day, first-period history students attended a ceremony introducing and honoring the veterans. The ceremony commenced with a parade of veterans entering the stage and taking the spotlight.

Apart from the ceremony, members of South Windsor High School and South Windsor’s veterans, took a moment to honor Lance Corporal Donald R. Ouellette.

A poster honoring Lance Corporal Donald R. Ouellette at the veterans’ ceremony (Isabella Giammarino)

Ouellette, a 1964 South Windsor High School graduate, was killed on November 6th, 1967 in Vietnam, at the age of 21.

According to The Hartford Courant, in 1987, during a documentary project at South Windsor High School, students came upon Ouellete’s name on a list of people from Connecticut who passed away in the Vietnam War.

“Every year we make a point to commemorate his passing and his sacrifice for our nation,” Rizzuto stated.

South Windsor High School created a monument in Ouellette’s name. Each year, on Veterans Day, Colonel William Carroll and a veteran take part in a passing of the wreath, to be placed on Ouellette’s memorial.

For the remainder of the day, veterans visit each classroom to share their stories. Students are able to ask questions about their experience and learn more about life in the military.

In an interview with The Prowl, Daten Stimpson, a Vietnam War veteran, commented on how the Navy shaped his life.

“I just feel proud that I was able to serve, and this made me a good person,” Stimpson stated.

From WWII to the Iraq war, veterans of all walks of life are celebrated and honored at South Windsor High School. The community ensures their bravery and sacrifice for our freedom does not go unnoticed

About the Contributors

Izabella McKenna, Staff Writer

Izabella Mckenna is a South Windsor High School senior and excited to continue her 4th year as a writer for The Bobcat Prowl. Izabella hopes to inspire people to be who they want to be regardless of what others think. She is a tri-sport athlete playing Football, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. After high school she plans on following her family's footsteps by joining the service. She is joining the AirForce. She loves listening to Indie, 90s pop and rap, and Latin/Reggaeton. She plans on going into a law enforcement career when she is older.

Carlyn Tony, Staff Writer

Carlyn Tony is a junior at South Windsor High School and a writer for The Bobcat Prowl. She enjoys playing and watching taekwondo, hanging out with family and friends, and reading in her free time. She hopes to inspire people and make an impact with her writing!

Isabella Giammarino, Staff Writer

Isabella Giammarino is a senior at South Windsor High School who loves writing. When she found out about The Bobcat Prowl she knew she would be a great addition to the paper. In the future, she aspires to minor in literature and hopes to write books. She looks forward to working in a professional writing environment surrounded by like-minded people.

Adam Albaghdadi, Social Media Editor

Adam Albaghdadi is a senior at South Windsor High School. Albaghdadi is the Social Media Editor for The Bobcat Prowl. He oversees all The Prowls social media content, along with helping other staff writers with their articles. He also plays varsity football and lacrosse for SWHS. Albaghdadi enjoys spending time with family and friends, and can be found at football and LAX games.