Middle School Students Learn Lessons in Leadership and Service From Military Veterans
Students at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in the Amityville Union Free School District had an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of military service, sacrifice and leadership during the school's Veterans Legacy Leadership Summit on Nov. 5, held in recognition of Veterans Day.
The event brought together veterans representing several branches of the United States Armed Forces to share their personal experiences and discuss how military service shaped their lives, leadership abilities and perspectives on civic responsibility. Through the presentations, students gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring those who have served.
The program began with a welcome from social studies lead teacher Mrs. Byrd, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by National Junior Honor Society members Emely Espinal, Keyla Perez Herrera, Richard Leach and Celeste Mendoza Uria. Student musician Juan Quintanilla then performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the cello.
Throughout the summit, students heard from veterans whose experiences spanned different branches of the military and generations of service.
Among the featured speakers was Amityville Board of Education member Juan Leon, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2003 to 2010 as an infantryman and medic. Leon spoke about the transition from military to civilian life, sharing his perspective on adapting to new responsibilities and experiences following military service.
Students also heard from Frank O'Brien, a social studies teacher at Edmund W. Miles Middle School and U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1989 to 1999. O'Brien discussed his experiences serving overseas, offering students an opportunity to learn about military life from an educator they know within their own school community.
Other featured speakers included U.S. Air Force veteran David Heller, who discussed how his military experiences strengthened his leadership abilities, and U.S. Army veteran Eric D. Farina, who spoke about reverence for the American flag and what it represents. Fellow Army veteran Lenore Brathwaite shared lessons in leadership gained through her service as a medical laboratory specialist.
U.S. Navy veteran Jeffrey Ulyse shared his experiences during boot camp, while U.S. Air Force veteran Llamar Owens reflected on serving overseas. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Marcos Benitez discussed how his military service shaped his life.
The program also featured a presentation by Jim Westphal.
Beyond learning about military careers and experiences, students were encouraged to consider the qualities that define effective leadership, including courage, responsibility, perseverance and service to others. The summit provided an opportunity for students to connect classroom discussions about history and citizenship with the personal experiences of individuals who served their country.
Students and members of the school community also contributed to the event. The National Junior Honor Society welcomed and escorted the honored veterans, while the Parent Teacher Student Association helped create a welcoming and patriotic atmosphere.
The school's Photography Club documented the occasion, and art teacher Tyler Kundler and his students designed a special welcome sign recognizing the veterans and their service.
The Veterans Legacy Leadership Summit reflected Edmund W. Miles Middle School's commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences that connect students with their community while fostering an appreciation for civic engagement, leadership and service.
The Amityville Union Free School District extends its gratitude to the participating veterans for sharing their stories and to the students, educators, families and volunteers who helped organize the event.