On November 10, Newtown High School held its annual Veterans Day assembly in the auditorium following a breakfast for local veterans.

Before the program began, the NHS Wind Ensemble played a patriotic march as students took their seats among the honored guests.

After Social Studies Department Chair Amy Deeb opened the program, Hawks Honor Society students Charles Dunn and Maili Pieragostini led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the chamber choir, who sang “America the Beautiful.”

Assistant Principal Paul Ribeiro gave opening remarks. He discussed his interest in World War II sustained since he was a child, which shifted into an interest of “the character of the people” involved.

Ribiero emphasized veterans as those who are not looking for recognition. They are, he said, using personal stories of veteran family members and historical accounts, ordinary volunteers performing heroism. He encouraged students to volunteer in order to honor veterans.

“A small act of kindness or volunteerism could be monumental to who receives it,” Ribeiro said.

The honor society students returned, and called upon veterans in the audience to stand by wartime involvement, past to present, beginning with WWII.

While no one who served during WWII was in attendance, some veterans stood more than once to represent service during multiple wars.

Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo then introduced the keynote speaker of the day: Dennis Mannion, a Vietnam and US Marine Corps veteran of particular significance to the administrator.

‘Worth Fighting For’

“Mr Mannion is very much a storyteller; he has inspired students for many years,” said the superintendent, revealing he was the veteran’s student during Mannion’s teaching career.

Melillo credited his path in education to Mannion before the veteran took to the podium.

Mannion led his comments by saying, “Chris Melillo still owes me about four quizzes on The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

A storyteller like Melillo reported, Mannion dove into a unique account of serving in Vietnam. While there, he said, he spotted a little girl who lived on a coffee plantation in the region, waving to the soldiers.

Years after the war, he was able to reconnect with the girl, Francois, and her family. He choked up describing the interaction.

“It was magical beyond belief,” Mannion said in reflection, and described the “friendship, camaraderie, and love” that comes with serving in the military.

“Francois and my wife share recipes on Instagram,” Mannion said in a closing remark. “That’s peace.”

Following Mannion’s speech, the NHS Singers performed “The Star Spangled Banner.” First Selectman Dan Rosenthal also spoke, extending his appreciation to veterans.

“I think it’s so important that we’re actually at school” on Veterans Day, he said, “because these events connect us on what it means to be a veteran.” The first selectman also mentioned the local American Legion with compliments.

He ended his segment telling the audience to “be an American worth fighting for” in order to thank veterans.

‘A Hero In Our Society’

State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello approached the podium to deliver the annual Community Americanism Award on behalf of American Legion Post 202, commenting “you don’t have to be a veteran to be a hero in our society.”

Foncello, who is a member of American Legion Post 202, reviewed past recipients before revealing the 2023 honoree: Newtown Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich.

Foncello said Hiscavich “ensures proper patriotism is observed” at various school events, and is “always the first to have her hand over her heart during the National Anthem.

“Ms Hiscavich is the proverbial unsung hero doing all the work behind the scenes to promote our students, our schools and our community,” he added. “She’s always standing in the wings like she is today, a mover and shaker to support our students and schools.”

Hiscavich accepted the award tearfully as she stepped onstage, and started a speech by saying she is “always so proud to invite all of our veterans into our schools” to experience student art and performance.

She recounted many members of her family who served in the military. She said hearing their stories compelled her to read about military history.

“Veterans know how important music was throughout their service,” she said, noting that music is incorporated during days of military service.

“Music is also a source of inspiration and provides entertainment while they are away from home, and solace during the most difficult times,” said Hiscavich.

She said she enjoyed frequently attending military band performances sponsored by the Rotary Club growing up, as well as attending concerts at the military academy in West Point, New York.

Hiscavich detailed her efforts with local veterans and the Lions Club to have military bands perform for students, listing several instances including West Point Band, which included workshops with NHS musicians in its visit.

Hiscavich encouraged the veterans to continue to attend school programs, and expressed gratitude for the award.

Next, the wind ensemble and chamber choir teamed up to perform “The Armed Forces Salute,” a medley of the themes representing every military branch.

Veterans were encouraged to stand when they heard their branch represented, and were applauded by the audience as they stood.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti gave the closing remarks of the event.

The sacrifices of veterans, she said, “echo through history, shaping the very fabric of our society, and ensuring the freedoms we enjoy today.

“May we all continue to honor and support our veterans every day.”

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.