On August 29, HAHS celebrated armed forces at the home football game with the help of supporting businesses, students, faculty, and families. This night was meant to show support for armed forces and first responders such as police, soldiers, firefighters, and many more. There were different activities available to participate in like face painting and a raffle drawing.
With the success of the football team gaining a win, Leo club member Lydia Fultz said that she really enjoyed the football game. “I loved getting my face painted and helping with the face painting,” Lydia shares about her experience. Overall she believed that the football game was great and “The effort everyone puts into setting up all the stuff is amazing,” Although it was extremely fun, she did say that having more students show up and be more energetic like last year would certainly top it all off and make it perfect.
Another grateful student that showed up to show support, Kaylum Riegel, expressed that he thought that the night was very enjoyable. “I thought that it was more successful than last year was,” Kaylum states about the game. His favorite part was when the paratroopers came down onto the field, finding the show to be entertaining. “I can’t think of anything to do differently other than having fireworks with every touchdown we had,” he says in reference to the fireworks that were set off last year. In general, getting the student section to cheer and running along the bleachers with a flag was his version of a successful and celebratory night for the armed forces and first responders, as well as the win for the hawks.
Taking into consideration the effort and thought that this took to plan, from a year to 15 months, this would not have been possible without the careful organization of Brad Valentino who took most responsibility in planning this wonderful event. This idea came from a recognition program that was put together by Mr. Menapace prior to Covid, which then a National Guard recruiter brought this idea up in 2021. “It’s grown significantly over the four years since we initially put this together,” Brad states, explaining that it is also about recognizing veterans like his grandfathers, his father, and active members like his stepbrother. The planning for next year’s event has already been in the making since July of this year. Brad goes on to explain, “We also do not weigh profit from the event as this isn’t about money, it’s solely about recognition.”
Due to the large amount of participation that was seen this year, it can only be inferred that next year will bring more success. More participation will lead to bigger surprises that will be planned for everyone to enjoy
