PCSD 32
PERRYVILLE – Perry County School District 32 celebrated the community’s veterans last week with a special breakfast followed by an official ceremony on the football field.
All students were encouraged to invite a special veteran to join them for breakfast prepared by the Central Cafeteria and served by Perryville High School students. About 300 people enjoyed the meal of sausage, potatoes, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and muffins.
The program began with the National Anthem performed by the Perryville High School Band. Primary Center Principal Emily Koenig served as the emcee of this year’s event. Stacey Seabaugh, director of Special Services, welcomed the 2,200 students, staff and veterans, and announced the completion of a US Army Jeep restoration project undertaken by Perryville Area Career and Technology Center.
The Jeep was parked on the football field, where visitors could see the result of more than 2,000 man hours invested in the restoration by Carl Burr’s automotive collision repair students.
Art Pistorio, a local attorney and veteran, delivered the address of the day. Pistorio enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1992. After completing recruit training at Great Lakes, Ill., and Submarine School in Groton, Conn., he was assigned to the Ballistic Missile Submarine USS Vallejo where he earned his silver dolphins. After the USS Vallejo was decommissioned, Pistorio reported to the USS Pennsylvania where he completed another eight nuclear deterrent patrols. He returned to Great Lakes in 1998, this time as a Recruit Division Commander where he led nine recruit divisions before transferring to the Office of Naval Intelligence to become part of the elite Acoustic Intelligence Program for the last half of his career. While there, Pistorio deployed onboard 23 fast attack submarines as the primary advisor to the Commanding Officer for 25 special operations specifically directed by the President of the United States. He retired from the Navy in 2012 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.
After retirement, Pistorio graduated law school from George Mason University in Arlington Va., and is a partner in the Law Firm of Hoeh & Pistorio. He lives in Perry County with his wife Caitlin (a former Marine captain) and his two children Josie and Addie.
He shared personal stories about sailors with whom he served, and told the students that he stands in the shadow of their bravery and sacrifice, and encouraged students to do more than thank a veteran this Veteran’s Day. “Take time to learn about them and their stories,” he said. “Ask your dad or grandpa or aunt about their service, and learn their stories.”
The veterans were treated to musical performances by the PCMS Band and Choir, the PHS Choirs, and the Primary and Elementary students.
Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones concluded the program by noting that District 32 students learn about important moments in American history each day.
“Most importantly, our young people are learning that American history is more than a collection of dates and facts; the story of America is a story of people bound by the common causes of liberty and service,” she said. “American history is a narrative of resilience, bravery, and the unwavering commitment to freedom. Each chapter of our story has been written by the efforts of those who answered the call of duty. It is a story of individuals who put the collective good above personal comfort, who stood firm in the face of adversity, and who dedicated themselves to preserving the ideals that define us as a nation.”
She told the students that the veterans before them have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of our nation. “Many of them have carried the torch of freedom through the darkest hours of history,” she said. “They demonstrate the values that your parents and teachers strive to instill in you, the values that make America exceptional –honor, integrity, courage, and service above self.”
Dr. Jones offered her gratitude to the veterans for participating in the day’s events. “We teach history in our classrooms, but you have made history come to life today for our students,” she said. “You are living witnesses to the events that have shaped our nation, and your presence here today bridges the gap between the pages of textbooks and the reality of the sacrifices made for our freedom.
“Your presence honors us, and your legacy inspires us. May we continue to learn from your experiences, cherish our history, and strive to build a future that is worthy of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. Thank you, and may God bless our veterans and the United States of America.”
More photos on the Perry County School District No. 32 Facebook page: