Merrick School District

The Lakeside School community came together on Nov. 7 for its annual Veterans Day ceremony, a special event organized to honor and thank those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

Hosted by the Lakeside PTA and supported by staff, students, and families, the ceremony brought together members of the Board of Education, district administrators, and local elected officials, including Legis. Seth Koslow and Sen. Steve Rhoads. PTA member Gina Sonbert coordinated the event in collaboration with Lakeside staff. 

Prior to the ceremony, Legis. Koslow and Sen. Rhoads presented veterans with proclamations from their respective branches of government.  

The program began with Lakeside’s student color guard presenting the flags, followed by a moving performance of patriotic songs led by music teacher Jeffrey Glemboski. Principal Libby Trencheny and Assistant Principal Chris Colarossi shared biographies of each honored veteran as students presented them with flowers in gratitude for their service.  

Among those honored was Assemblyman Dave McDonough, recognized for his service in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard. Other veterans celebrated for their dedication and bravery included Bernard R. Becchina (U.S. Army), Kristin Birdie, (U.S. Navy) Matthew J. DeGregorio (U.S. Air Force), Jeffrey Fischer (U.S. Navy), Col. Pat Keane (U.S. Marine Corps., retired), Marc Langone (U.S. Army), Kenneth Larkin (U.S. Navy), Victor Lopez (U.S. Marine Corps), James Montera (U.S. Navy), Richard “Moon-Man” Mooney (U.S. Marine Corps), Katina Tsahalis (U.S. Army), Rob Vitale (U.S. Marine Corps), and Joel Wortman (U.S. Air Force). 

Trencheny reflected on the importance of the day, saying, “We take the time to enjoy and appreciate the peace and freedoms afforded to us as Americans. Lakeside roars due to the continuous courage of our veterans.” 

Click here to view the full set of photos on Facebook.