In the back, from left, are Del Spafford, Rich Krankota, James Uplinger, Denny Knarr, Bill Rendall, Liam Upton, Rich Wantuck, Michael Skehan and John Hibner. (Provided photo)
REYNOLDSVILLE – Jeff Tech held its annual Veterans Day program this school year on Nov. 9.
This year’s event featured a guest speaker, Colonel Rich Krankota of Conneaut Lake. He was brought to the school by Del Spafford of DuBois.
Krankota has 33 years of military experience. He has been involved in numerous positions within the armed forces, including a tour in Afghanistan from 2006-2007.
Also participating in this event was the DuBois Honor Guard led by Michael Skehan. Honor guard members in attendance included Denny Knarr, Al Heberling, John Hibner, Rich Wantuck, George Osti and Dick Trudgen.
The DuBois Honor Guard did a white table service followed by the playing of Taps, accompanied by three volleys.
Two former students from the Protective Services Career and Technical Education program at Jeff Tech returned for the event, as well. Those students were Adam Walters, who is serving as an E4 specialist combat engineer in the National Guard, and Aryn Beichner, a Clarion University student, who is serving as a motor transport operator for the National Guard.
Three Jeff Tech students brought in family members to introduce during the assembly. Justin Milligan, a senior in the Auto Body CTE program at Jeff Tech brought in his father, Ron Milligan of DuBois, who had served in the Navy.
Karley Bletz, a sophomore student in the Health Assisting CTE program at Jeff Tech, brought in her grandfather, William Wagner of Avis, who served in the Marines.
Liam Upton, a junior Protective Services CTE student, brought in his father, Bill Rendall of DuBois, who served in the Navy.
Each student thanked his/her family member for their service and expressed their heartfelt gratitude and love to them.
The American Legion No. 392 of Reynoldsville, represented by James Uplinger, presented a $100 cash prize to each of the winners of Jeff Tech’s essay and art competition held in honor of veterans.
The winner of the essay competition was junior Michaela Herndon of the Protective Services CTE program. The winner of the art competition was senior Shaina Allshouse of the Drafting, Design and Engineering CTE program.
An honorable mention was given to Cole Norris of the Culinary Arts CTE program for his Veterans Day essay. He received $25 from the Jeff Tech staff.
A wall of honor was created this year by the Building Trades CTE students and instructor Dave Rishell. Lily Kiehlmeier, a junior Building Trades student, and Braxton Gilbert, a senior Building Trades student, spear-headed the idea of putting up stars that honored veterans who are both on active duty and retired.
The stars were placed on the wall outside the AV room, where a luncheon for Jeff Tech staff veterans and veteran guests was held prior to the assembly.
Jeff Tech also recognized the five staff members who are veterans. Its IT Technician Kevin Kennedy served in the U.S. Air Force and is currently a member of the National Guard. Its Biology instructor Brian Lenkerd also served in the U.S. Air Force.
Its Computer Network Engineering CTE instructor Patrick Salada served with the U.S. Navy, its Protective Services CTE instructor Troy Conrad served in the U.S. Army and is currently a member of the National Guard and its Precision Machining CTE instructor Richard Hoare also served in the U.S. Army.
The Jeff Tech staff would like to give a special thank you to each person who made this day possible for the students and most importantly to all of the veterans. Staff members are proud to remember and honor you, not just on Veterans Day, but also all year long.