St. Mary Catholic School Students Honor Veterans

This week, students at St. Mary Catholic School in Mokena came together to celebrate Veterans Day with tributes and special activities honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans and their families were invited to attend a special mass celebrated by Fr. Dindo Billote, where they received a special blessing in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

Following the mass, members of the National Junior Honor Society accompanied the veterans to classrooms, where they shared stories and their experiences with the students. Students expressed their gratitude by presenting the veterans with handmade cards and letters. Veterans in attendance included both active military members and retired personnel, giving the students a broad perspective on their contributions to the nation's military.

In preparation for Veterans Day, students also showed their appreciation by placing American flags around the school campus, creating a visual tribute to veterans and active military members. Earlier in the week, the 7th grade had the opportunity to learn about flag protocol from Sgt. Dan Sullivan, a retired U.S. Army member and SMS parent. Mr. Sullivan also taught the students the importance of respecting the American flag and the proper procedures for raising and lowering it. Following the lesson, the 7th grade students took on the responsibility of caring for the flag as members of the school’s Flag Detail.

Dr. Michele Alday-Engelman, Principal of St. Mary Catholic School, reflected on the importance of honoring veterans within the school community: “As a Catholic school, it is essential for our students to understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans and active military members. By welcoming veterans into our school and giving our students a chance to learn from their experiences, we help instill respect, gratitude, and a deeper sense of patriotism.”

St. Mary Catholic School, serving students from preschool through 8th grade, is committed to nurturing academic excellence, faith formation, and a spirit of service in a supportive Catholic environment. The school celebrates a 75-year tradition of building strong values, a dedication to service, and a tight-knit community. Families interested in learning more about St. Mary or enrolling their child can contact Danelle Bernas, Marketing and Enrollment Coordinator, (dbernas@stmarymokena.org).