The induction ceremony recognized Washington Township graduates who have put service before self
“Some gave a little, some gave it all, but we sincerely appreciate all that each and every one of them gave,” said Bob Abbott, chairman of the Veterans Affair Advisory Board and Board of Education vice president at the Washington Township Military Hall of Honor induction ceremony last week.
This year, 12 military service members were inducted into the Hall of Honor, bringing the total to 175 plaques lining the Washington Township High School hallway. The hall, established in 2004 in the 11–12 building, honors graduates who have served as members of the U.S. armed forces.
“It’s not uncommon to see some of our young kids stopping and standing in the hallway, reading the names of the students that are honored,” Superintendent Joseph Bollendorf said. “It is without question one of the hardest yet most noble things anyone can do.”
The ceremony, held on May 22, featured a medley of patriotic songs performed by students Antonia Brunetti, Madelyn Yerkes, Ryan Murray and Marco Santo, under the direction of Director of Choral Activities Joseph Zachowski. Senior Evan Bittmann also performed “Taps,” a song most commonly played on the trumpet at military funerals, memorial services or the lowering of the flag. Members of the Washington Township High School Air Force Junior ROTC program presented the colors and were in attendance to usher guests through the school.
“We do this to make sure those who have served know how grateful we are and how meaningful what they do is to all of us here in Washington Township, and I should say the United States of America,” Bollendorf said.
Along with Bollendorf, Principal Ann Moore, state Sen. Fred Madden, township veterans, members of the Board of Education and the administration were present to honor the inductees.
“On average, for every 1,000 high school graduates across the country, 10 will raise their hand and take the oath to protect our country on foreign soil,” Madden said. “We will never forget your sacrifice and the sacrifices that your family made.”
Of the 12 inductees, class of 2010’s Devon Pendergrass is one. In 2015, Pendergrass passed away as the result of a car accident. The U.S. Army National Guard private first class was studying criminal justice at the University of Baltimore at the time. His father accepted and honored Pendergrass’ induction, along with members of his family.
“Its emotional, but we’re happy,” Takiyah Smith, Pendergrass’ sister, said. “It’s nice to see all of the inductees honored, especially our brother; we’re very happy to see him inducted.”
Inductee James Beck of the WTHS class of 1968 also passed in June 2011. Beck was represented by his wife and family members to honor his time in the U.S. Army as a sergeant.
Those who were present to accept their induction relayed gratitude for being honored and respect to those who came before them.
“I just want to say thank you to all of the veterans that were put up on this,” Dylan Colclough said. “My brother is a part of this as well and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m glad I could help serve this country and be a part of this high school.”
Colclough was a member of the WTHS class of 2011 and served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps infantry. Having ended his service in 2015, he is now a police officer.
“The term honor has always been a word used to describe men and women upon reward or great achievement,” Lt. Col. Barbara McCormick said in her keynote presentation. “Those who enter the military today chose to, and it truly is service to country, service to self and service to our families.”
Additional Hall of Honor inductees included: Christopher Altamuro, Class of 2015, U.S. Navy; Michael Ciavirella, Class of 2009, U.S. Marine Corps; Matthew Grosmick, Class of 2014, U.S. Army National Guard; Walter J. Hartman, Jr., Class of 2014, U.S. Navy; Donald King, Class of 1970, U.S. Navy; Russell Laraway, Class of 1990, U.S. Marine Corps; Eric Ruiz, Class of 2014, U.S. Marine Corps; Frank G. Tiesi, Class of 1984, U.S. Air Force; and Matthew Wills, Class of 2014, U.S. Army National Guard.
