Veterans Honored at Edison Intermediate School

Edison Intermediate School in Westfield held a Veteran’s Day ceremony on Nov. 6, featuring guest speakers and performances by the school’s choir and band.

Guest speakers included, Honorable Mark P. Ciarrocca, NJ Supreme Court Judge, Assistant Principal, David Duelks and former EIS teacher, John D’Andrea, a Korean War Veteran.

Ciarrocca, a 1975 graduate of EIS, spoke highly of his former teacher and athletic trainer, D’Andrea. Ciarrocca described the decorated vet as a hero. D’Andrea taught at EIS for 27 years of his 45-year career and impacted the lives of more than 10,000 individuals.

He called Edison his second home and told stories of his family’s military experience to the students in attendance.

“Kids, you are the future,” he told the students. He continued by encouraging them to get an education, get involved, do community work, have respect and self-discipline, be responsible for your actions, have patriotism, compassion, adopt values and last of all, have time for fun and enjoy life.

The assembly featured music by the EIS choir and band, as well as the colors of the flags presented by members of the 6th Motor Battalion Unit from Red Bank. Eighth grader, Gabriella Hinks, read text to remind students of the everyday heroes in their lives and a video was also shown with the same message.  

Principal Matthew Bolton told the students to keep in mind the insightful words they heard that day and to consider how they could help others.