On Friday, November 10, Columbus Academy hosted its annual 6:30 a.m. physical training drills before our school’s 7:40 a.m celebration to honor our present and past veterans for this year’s Veterans Day.

Mr. Olexio, math teacher and Upper School Assistant Head, led voluntary physical training based on his days in the Army before his retirement with the position of Lieutenant Colonel. The PT included morning exercises that Army units perform to give Academy students a taste of military life, with stretching, calisthenics, and a 1-mile run.

Thereafter, we gathered around the quad, listening to 504 of the school bell’s chimes in honor of the 497 Academy alumni along with six current faculty, coaches, and facilities and securities team members, who have served in the military, including Ralen C., Tony D., Dennis G., Matt M., Neal O., and Dan O. (Dennis Gilman, not in attendance, was also honored.) Joining these men were alumni Bruce Draudt’62, Steve Haverick’62. and Scott Lawrence’75.

The proceedings ended with choir’s “America the Beautiful.”