PHS Honors Its Own Veterans on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, Pleasantville High School recognized three members of its own community who served their country, treating them to a luncheon in their honor.
The honorees were Assistant Principal Taryn Delaney, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served in the Navy; science teacher Tim Healy, who served in the National Guard; and Tim Sullivan, a regular substitute teacher and Pleasantville resident who served in the Marine Corps.
Joining them were Principal Joe Palumbo, Superintendent Eric Lutinski, PHS teacher Deirdre Vedvino, several counselors and four freshmen from the student council.
Different paths to service
Delaney grew up in a family that was “big on service,” a value that was instilled in her from an early age. Her time at the Naval Academy and in the Navy spanned 1999 to 2004.
Healy joined the National Guard while in college in Virginia and served from 1990 to 1996. He considered it an honor to serve, and the Guard also helped him cover the cost of his education.
Sullivan saw his path into the military from a young age. His father was a Marine who served in Korea, and several other family members also served. Sullivan served in the Marine Corps from 1988 to 1994, and later went on to retire as a lieutenant with FDNY Rescue 1, an elite special operations company.
Lessons for the classroom and beyond
Healy says he carries lessons from his service into the classroom. He sometimes sees things a little differently, and he often reminds students of something he learned quickly in the Guard: “You can do more than you think is possible.”
Sullivan says PHS students have approached him after hearing he was a Marine, asking about his service and the opportunities the military offers. He tells them, “Whatever job you may be interested in having for a career is available in the military.” Service members receive excellent training in their chosen field, he explains, and leave with skills that are valuable in the job market.
Delaney also speaks to the benefits of military service, while encouraging young people to talk with a counselor or another trusted adult about what they are looking for. When people ask her about the military, she asks them questions and talks with them to help them understand what the experience will be like.
The three veterans did agree on one piece of advice for any student thinking about the military: start practicing push-ups now. They laughed when they said it. They were also completely serious.
A community’s thanks
“It is a privilege to honor the veterans who served our country and who now give of themselves by educating our students,” said Principal Joe Palumbo. “We are grateful for all they have given. They bring different perspectives to their work, and those perspectives make our school stronger.”
The students who attended were grateful too.
“It’s really cool to learn that some of our teachers are veterans,” said freshman Gabriella. “We don’t generally get a lot of exposure to veterans.”
“It’s cool to hear their stories and how they decided to go into the military,” added freshman Emma. “Everyone’s story is different.”
Pleasantville High School thanks Ms. Delaney, Mr. Healy and Mr. Sullivan for their service to our country, and for their continued service to the students of Pleasantville.