Noonan Academy Honor Veterans with Tribute and Mass

Mokena IL

13 November, 2021

4:48 PM

Description

On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Noonan Elementary Academy's junior high gym was packed with students, staff, family, and Veterans. "This is our seventh year offering such an opportunity to our students," stated Mrs. Mary Murphy, Assistant Principal of Noonan. "Our students get to meet Veterans and hear their stories. They are able to thank them for all that they have done, to protect their freedoms, with this tribute." Each Veteran was honored by name, given a certificate and a spiritual bouquet in addition to a fleece blanket made by students, which were blessed by Father Noonan. Students, staff, and families of Noonan Academy gathered into the junior high gym where the students lead the processional of twelve Veterans, who are family members or friends of Noonan students or of past graduates while singing "America, The Beautiful". Veterans were blessed by Fr. Noonan and a certificate was presented by Principal Joseph Dunn. Everyone in the gym recited the St. Michael Prayer together and Fr. Noonan encouraged everyone to pray for our country and its defenses, as well as those who served or are serving, and for our religious freedom. Those in attendance at the tribute and Mass were Captain Rudell Christian Illinois National Guard (Father to Bryce), Lt. Colonel John Bryk Air Force (Father to Kyra), Staff Sergeant Brian Holuj Air Force (Father to Anthony), Airman 1st Class E3 Brian Briggs Air Force (Grandfather to Annabelle Frieh), Sergeant E4 Steve Jelinek Air Force (Grandfather to Max), Specialist 4th Class Richard Diorio Army (Grandfather to Carina), Specialist 5 James Mott Army (Grandfather to Ethan and Claire Toth), Captain Dr. Jack Ruby Army (Grandfather to Michael and Juliet Novak), Sergeant Jim Schlegel Army (Alumni Father to JT and John), Corporal John Safarik Marine (friend of Andrew and Marissa Lacny), Staff Sergeant Brian Poplin Army National Guard (Uncle to Trevor and Nathan Dusek), and Staff Sergeant Kenneth Clark Army (Grandfather to Colin Ovalle. Those who were unable to attend though were honored during the tribute were 3rd Class Petty Officer Sean Mosby Navy (Father to Kaleb, Klarke, and Kobe), Sergeant E5 Jack Edwards Army (Uncle to Kaylie Stewart), Sam Ovalle (Father to Colin), Ted Domon (Uncle to Nicholas and Lucas Onik), and Terry Cornell, Jr. (Grandfather to Adele Adamo). Noonan Alumni from the class of 2017 who are currently enlisted and who were honored today were Dawson Kimak, Marcus McCarty, and Jane Huguelet. Corporal John Safarik Marine had this to share about the event, "I wish more schools were doing things like this to not only honor veterans, but to educate the kids in regards to what this day is about. I enjoyed talking to Mrs. Mueller's 4th-grade class. The kids had great questions, especially the boy who asked 'what advice would you give kids about joining the armed forces?' Thank you again and God Bless America and great people like you." "While other schools have Veterans Day off, we have the opportunity to honor or Veterans by inviting them into our school for this tribute. We benefit daily from your sacrifice. You are living Saints who walk among us. Thank you for your service, " said Dunn. Noonan Elementary Academy is an independent Catholic school in Mokena serving preschool through 8th grade. Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth.