By Tamas Mondovics
Randall Middle School officials are gearing up for a special celebration of memorial in order to honor the nation’s veterans this month.
While the school traditionally hosts its annual Veterans Day ceremony, according to Randall spokesperson Kristy Verdi on Tuesday, November 9, the school will be hosting its first “All-American Heroes Rally” where she said students, staff and the community will come to honor and embrace the veterans of the United States.
“Our local veterans are all invited to come to Randall, and to participate in our Veterans’ Day Ceremony and a reception,” Verdi said.
Randall Middle School currently has close to 1,400 students, many of whom comes from military families. The school is located at 16510 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.
The school is named after James David Randall Jr., who following a long illness suffering with congenital heart disease, died in July at his home, leaving behind Mary, his wife of 57 years. Randall was 82 years old.
Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1952, Randall was a Korean War veteran, as well as served in Germany in the Army of Occupation. He remained in the U.S. Army Reserve for 38 years, retiring as a Brigadier General.
Randall Middle School is the home of the Hawks and has been an “A” school, since it opened in 2000.
Throughout the day, seventh grade students will participate in many fun activities as a part of the rally, which include a patriotic scavenger hunt and a drill-style obstacle course, students will enjoy themselves while learning something new.
Students will also participate in service-learning as they write letters and pack care packages for soldiers, and as they construct a wall to honor our veterans.
“This is an event where students will remember this national holiday day for our salute to veterans, the fun experiences, as well the new knowledge they gained,” Verdi said adding, “We hope that those attending will help make this day the event of the century.”
Local Veterans interested in attending can email kristy.verdi@sdhc.k12.fl.us
