In observance of Veteran’s Day, which fell on Sunday, November 11, The Storm King School is taking the time this week to commemorate its fallen alumni and educate its students about the history and importance of this national holiday. On Monday, November 12, a wreath was placed on the School’s Memorial Rock to honor members of the school community who have served and passed away in the line of duty.  A presentation about the history and purpose of Veteran’s Day will be given to the students later this week.

 

The effort, led by History Department Chair Michael Hauser, aims to make Veteran’s Day more relevant to Storm King’s diverse student body. “Veteran’s Day is not about celebrating war or military might, but about acknowledging those individuals who experienced the horrors of conflict while serving their country– it is a day of remembrance,” explained Mr. Hauser.  Another way in which Storm King’s History Department is educating our students about leadership is through the Roy ’99 Leadership Series. This series of workshops, which includes visitors, discussions, presentations, and trips, is planned to run throughout the school year. Mr. Hauser explained that the initiative was created to help SKS students develop a strong value for leadership and service in their daily lives – a value that will serve them not only at Storm King but well after graduation.

 

 

The series is named for Patrick Roy ‘99, a Storm King alumnus who was killed while serving in the Navy during a terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen less than a year and a half after graduating. He was only 19 years old at the time of his death. A natural born leader, Roy died along with 16 other crew members on October 12, 2000. “Patrick’s life wasn’t too different from many of our students today,” explained Mr. Hauser. A native of Keedysville, Maryland, Patrick enrolled at The Storm King School in 1996. “He was a manager of the wrestling team and, as the captain of the lacrosse team his senior year, Patrick led the team to an HVAL season championship. He was a strong student and a good athlete. On Veterans Day and with the Roy Leadership Series, we commemorate Patrick Howard Roy and all those in our community who served,” continued Mr. Hauser.