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On Monday, November 11, students and staff gathered on Hondros at 6:30 a.m. for optional military physical training exercises, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Olexio, an Upper School math teacher and Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, and Staff Sergeant Paul Molitor, a member of our security staff. Mr. Olexio led students through push-ups, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers. The session ended with a mile run around the track, as Mr. Olexio repeated several military cadences.

At 7:40 a.m. on November 11, 2024, students, faculty, staff, and administrators from all divisions gathered in the Quad to listen to the ringing of the bells, each of the 506 tolls to represent all of our alumni and staff members who have served or are currently serving.

Veterans Day celebrates the anniversary of the end of World War 1, at 11 am. November 11, 1918. Since June 1, 1954, Veterans Day has been a day to honor all American veterans from all wars. About 16.5 million veterans currently live in the US which is about 6.4% of the adult population.

Academy veterans, Mr. Olexio, and SAGE staff member, Charlene Johnson, stood at the front of the Quad. Neal O’Brien, an army veteran, and Matt Mele, who served in United States Air Force were also acknowledged.

After the bells, the upper school sang America The Beautiful, bringing Academy’s celebration to a close.