In keeping with Bolles tradition, students across all four campuses honored Veterans Day with heartfelt ceremonies and activities that recognized the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Each campus hosted a unique program, offering students the opportunity to learn about the significance of the day and express their gratitude.

On the Upper School San Jose Campus, students, faculty and staff gathered in front of the war memorial in front of Bolles Hall for a Veterans Day ceremony honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event began with a welcome from Bolles Head of Upper School Moya Marks, who reflected on Bolles’ origins as a military academy and introduced the Bolles Singers’ moving rendition of the National Anthem. Junior Ellie Stewart ’27, a future West Point swimmer, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by remarks from former Navy officer Dean Hilf ’77, who introduced guest speaker and former U.S. Air Force captain Bo Boswell ’11. Watch Boswell’s remarks here. Then, Michael Gumnio ’26, also committed to swim at West Point, recognized Bolles employees who are veterans, and freshman Ryan Cahoy ’29 honored them with a trumpet call from the south Bolles tower. The ceremony concluded with a moment of reflection, a reminder to visit the Missing Person Table in Bolles Hall and a final performance of “Holding the Light” by the Bolles Singers.

On the Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus, first graders welcomed veterans, parents and guests to George Hall for a commemorative flag event, proudly waving the stars and stripes along the sidewalk as guests entered the building. Grade 1 students also created patriotic artwork that was displayed during the ceremony. The event opened with lower school music and drama teacher Stacey Posick leading everyone in the National Anthem and then handing it over to Pre-K students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Kindergarten sang “This Land is Your Land” before third graders shared facts about the meaning and origins of Veterans Day. Next, Grade 5 students gave a group speech thanking veterans for their service while holding up letters to spell out their gratitude. Grades 2 and 4 joined together to recognize family, friends and faculty in the audience who served in the U.S. military, presenting each with a star and inviting them to stand in front of the stage. Veterans who could not attend or have passed away were honored through displays and memorabilia available for viewing before and after the ceremony. To conclude the morning, the entire Ponte Vedra Beach Campus came together for a heartwarming performance of “God Bless the USA” using sign language.

The Lower School Whitehurst Campus held a morning program led by its Student Council in McGehee Auditorium, sharing similar sentiments and gratitude for our veterans’ service. Bolles parent Captain Zackary Starkweather served as the event’s guest speaker, sharing a powerful message about the sacrifices of veterans and their families and how their service protects our freedoms. Starkweather is a decorated U.S. Army officer who began his military career in 2009 as a combat airborne infantryman and later served in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, completing seven deployments across Afghanistan, Syria and Europe. He is currently an aviator with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and the proud father of Harper ’33, Hudson ’35 and Harrison ’37. Veterans in attendance were also recognized from each branch of the military, and the Bolles Singers and select Whitehurst students sang patriotic songs including “God Bless America” and “You're a Grand Old Flag” throughout the program. Bolles alumni Spencer Stephens ’24 and Kent Peyton ’25, currently attending the U.S. Naval Academy, also closed the ceremony with a special video message reciting “The Bolles Way.”

On the Middle School Bartram Campus, students gathered in Parker Auditorium on November 7 for a Veterans Day convocation. The program featured poetry and student reflections on the sacrifices made by veterans. Names of veterans connected to the Bartram community were displayed in tribute.

Bolles thanks all veterans for their service! Please visit our online gallery found here. #BollesFamily