Shawnee High School once again welcomed local veterans of all United States military branches for what has become a traditional Veterans Day event at the high school. This year, approximately twenty-five local veterans, representing Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines visited Shawnee on November 4, 2026, through the efforts of history teachers Zachary Baer and Jeffrey Provost.
Students assembled in the auditorium to hear veterans speak about their combat and peacetime experiences and had the opportunity to ask questions. Shawnee history teacher, Zachary Baer states, “It was a pleasure working with the veterans. The best part of the day is watching the veterans interact with our students.”
During their visit, veterans also gathered outside with students, staff, and administration at the Shawnee Veterans Memorial Garden for a wreath-laying ceremony. The school’s Yellow Ribbon Club, under the direction of Special Education Teacher Rachel Belville, coordinated the ceremony. Following the ceremony, veterans gathered for a sit-down style hot luncheon generously donated by Mission Barbeque of Marlton, NJ, and served by the Shawnee High School Football Coaching Staff under the direction of Shawnee Head Football Coach Mr. Tim Gushue. Veterans were also treated to custom commemorative Veteran’s Day caps donated by Joe Moore, CEO of Ivy Rehab.
Reflecting on the importance of this annual visit, Shawnee History Teacher Jeffrey Provost called the day “incredibly valuable for both the veterans and students.” He also stated, “It is important to make history come to life; and the students being able to interact with the veterans makes that happen.”
