St. Mary’s Catholic School In Alton Recognizes Seven Former Students Serving In Military

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ALTON - About 500 students, families, veterans and community members gathered in the St. Mary’s School gym for a Veterans Day program honoring military service members, including two former students who recently returned home.

Students performed patriotic songs, and veterans stood and sang along during portions of the program. Selections included the national anthem, “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America the Beautiful,” “This Land Is Your Land” and the hymns of the military branches.

The school recognized former students currently serving in the military: Avery Geisen, Christopher Jackson, Ellanour LaBreck, Addison Thomeczek, Caleb Thomeczek, Eli Waters and Grant Haegele.

Addison and Caleb Thomeczek attended in person and received care packages. The school said the other former students would receive their packages as they are able.

“As educators, we are proud of all our students and their successes, but there is nothing quite like the pride we feel when we see them go on to serve our country and sacrifice so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have each day,” St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera said.

Alton Police Officer Hayley Porter, another St. Mary’s alumna, also attended to celebrate her former classmates.

Grace + Grit and Trill Roofing sponsored the celebration and made the care packages possible, according to the school. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus presented the nation’s flag.

The school also thanked its faculty, staff and students for their work on the program and asked for continued prayers for military personnel, particularly those connected to the St. Mary’s community.

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