Stagg students honor veterans at luncheon

By Kelly White

In honor of Veterans Day, Stagg High School students took time to reflect upon our nation’s heroes and all of their accomplishments.

Thanks to Stagg’s Student Council’s Veterans Luncheon on November 10 at the school, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, students and veterans were able to enjoy an afternoon filled with good food, heartfelt stories, and each other’s company.

“I really enjoy Veterans Day because we take time out of our day to commemorate and appreciate the brave people who served and fought for our country,” Jomana Moustafa, 16, of Palos Hills, said. “I see Veterans Day as an opportunity to honor all those amazing people, who put their lives on the line for us, and that is something absolutely extraordinary.”

The event was free and welcomed in 24 veterans, who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Veterans were able to attend with their family members and/or caregivers.

All veterans in attendance were invited in many ways, including some being a personal family member. Stagg Student Council members also created formal invitations that were mailed and emailed to local area VFW Posts, libraries, independent living communities, rehab communities and long-term care facilities.

“This day is special because it recognizes special people,” Moustafa said. “Overall, it’s truly a time to pay our respect to our veterans and stand united as a country, not just for the people who fought in times of war, but also to celebrate the people who contributed in times of peace.”

During the free event, Stagg’s Student Council welcomed the veterans with breakfast from Gaston’s Bistro in Orland Park and Cookies by Orland Bakery. The school’s Madrigals singing group performed the national anthem, along with two other musical selections.

This was then followed by a Student Council made video honoring and thanking veterans. Finally, speeches were given by School District 230 Supt. Dr. Robert Nolting, Principal Eric Olsen and senior class president Katerina Alikakos.

“My favorite thing about the Veterans Day Breakfast is that it brings together families who would not have ever spoken to each other if they weren’t at this breakfast,” Alikakos, 17, of Orland Park, said. “I also love that this breakfast gives the Student Council and other groups at Stagg High School the opportunity the honor the veterans in our community.”

Nicole Leibfried, Intervention Specialist and Student Council Sponsor at Stagg, agreed.

“We always feel fortunate to work with some of the most passionate, committed and motivated students through Student Council. Watching them put effort into creating an event not for themselves but to recognize others is rewarding,” Leibfried said. “Personally, I enjoy leaving the event and hearing from our students who went from planning an event for strangers, to actual appreciation for those strangers as human beings who have made enormous sacrifices to allow them to live the life they are living. Seeing their appreciation grow for our veterans is the ultimate reward.”

Last year, the event was held in an adjusted Covid format, and this year it resumed in a full format. Leibfried said students, staff and veterans were very happy to be able to honor the local veterans once again fully this year without any Covid restrictions.

“Students benefited greatly from preparing for this event and thinking of creative ways to honor our veterans,” Leibfried said. “Typically, after the event, students talk most about conversations they have with our visiting veterans and benefit from hearing their stories and developing empathy for their experiences. Hearing firsthand accounts of the veterans’ experiences is eye opening and helps our students develop a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made.”