At the November 3rd Board of Education meeting, Springdale Elementary's third-grade students shared a heartfelt patriotic performance led by Music Teacher Mrs. Ligaya McGee, which honored local veterans for their service and sacrifice.
The Springdale Elementary Student Council also presented school-wide initiatives that express gratitude and support for veterans and their families — a powerful reminder of compassion, unity, and appreciation.
Students paid a special tribute to Maria Coon, a Special Education Paraprofessional and U.S. Air Force veteran, and Don Snyder, a Custodian and U.S. Marine veteran. Tonight, we were especially honored to have two distinguished individuals with us at the Board Meeting.
Mr. Don Snyder served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, where he was part of a machine gun squad in the 9th Marine Regiment. Upon returning home, he dedicated himself to his community by sharing his experiences with students. Additionally, Mr. Snyder participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to veterans at the memorials and was awarded an honorary diploma from Princeton after leaving school early to enlist in the Marines.
We also want to highlight Mrs. Maria Coon, who served for eleven years in the United States Air Force as part of the Security Forces. Her deployments took her to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bahrain, where she led patrols, responded to rocket attacks, and contributed to humanitarian missions aimed at aiding local children. While based in Florida, she collaborated with the Secret Service to ensure the safety of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Her unwavering commitment has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Sharp Award, Congressional Recognition, and both the NATO and Afghanistan Campaign Medals.
Don Snyder and Maria Coon represent the essence of service and sacrifice. Their remarkable stories remind us of the significance of being a Purple Star School. We are proud to honor our veterans, support military families, and express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served. Thank you for allowing us to share this special acknowledgment with you this evening.
Our students shared deep respect and gratitude for those who have bravely served our nation.
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