Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School (Whittier Tech) proudly hosted its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Saturday morning, welcoming more than 100 veterans and guests to campus for a morning of gratitude, reflection, and community.
The event featured a buffet breakfast prepared and served by students in Whittier Tech’s Culinary Arts program, under the guidance of instructors Krisztina Perron, Tjitse Boringa, Nicole Grupposo, and Nik Kedian. The breakfast was made possible thanks to generous donations from the public and US Foods.
Superintendent Maureen Lynch expressed her gratitude for the school community’s dedication to honoring those who have served. “Veterans Day reminds us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms,” said Superintendent Lynch. “At Whittier Tech, we are honored to host this event each year as a way to thank our veterans and teach our students the importance of service, respect and community.”
This year’s program included remarks from guest speakers Joseph Byron, founder of Honor Flight New England, and Kenneth Cyr, founder of Angers Gift, both of whom shared powerful stories about service, resilience, and community impact.
The morning also featured performances and presentations by Whittier Tech students, including a flag-folding ceremony by the SkillsUSA Opening/Closing Ceremonies team, and a moving rendition of the national anthem by Lila Combs, a senior in the Electronics/Robotics program from Haverhill.
The event was organized by the Whittier Tech chapter of SkillsUSA led by Lead Advisor Jane Moskevitz. English Tutor Jeff Fox, a Vietnam veteran in the U.S. Army, led the efforts of inviting area veterans organizations. Moskevitz also recognized English instructor Teri Bragg for coordinating the Opening/Closing Ceremonies team and the annual Parade of Flags, a Whittier Tech tradition honoring alumni, staff, and community members who have served.
As part of the celebration, Advanced Manufacturing students, led by instructor Bruce Boisselle, created commemorative coins as gifts for each attending veteran. CAD/Drafting students are collaborating with Angers Gift on a local housing project. They surveyed the attendees for what veterans would best need for accommodations and supports.
Among the attendees were several local Veterans Services Officers Jeffrey Hollett (Haverhill), Kevin Hunt (Newbury), Joseph LeBlanc (Andover), CJ Manning (American Legion Vice Commander), Jeremiah Murphy (Eastern District), and Brittany Raposa, Director of Volunteers of America Massachusetts.
