August 10, 2009 -  Each year since 2002, Shaker High School Social Studies teacher Daniel Weaver, the World of Difference Club and the Town of Colonie Veterans Project have paid homage to our country’s veterans by holding a Veterans Day celebration. In past years, the celebration has seen the likes of former Congressman Mike McNulty and Brigadier General Michael Swezey grace the stage as keynote speakers. Surviving soldiers from the Battle of the Bulge have also been invited to share there historic memories and unique perspective.

While this year’s celebration is still a few months away (November 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at Shaker High School Auditorium), the preparation has already begun. The keynote speaker this year will be Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael Papadopoulos. Papadopoulos is a Veteran of Desert Storm and most recently served as Professor of Military Science at the University of Rhode Island and Siena College. Currently, he is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Director of Public Safety at Siena. He is also a resident and parent of the North Colonie School District.

The celebration usually focuses on a common theme. This year, the theme will be Patriotism. Weaver usually tries to tie in the theme with a district-wide initiative that helps illustrate what the theme means to North Colonie students. He plans to hold a writing competition this year, in which students will explain what it means to be an American. The writing competition will be broken down in to four levels, grades K-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12.

Student involvement in the Veterans Day celebration is very important to Weaver. Each year, the Shaker High School Vocal Ensemble and Chamber Players provide musical entertainment, while students lend their perspective of the evening’s festivities. The celebration provides the North Colonie students with the chance to learn first-hand about our country’s storied history. For Weaver, it is something he is only too proud to help provide.

“I think it is something we do to help educate and give back to the community and recognize our veterans,” he said. “Being a Social Studies teacher, I want to expose our students to these stories and make history come alive for them.”

While Weaver and his team try to add a different component to the celebration each year, the feedback from the Veterans in attendance is clear.

“They feel it is a significant event,” he said. “They enjoy coming back each year.”

Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg states that she looks forward to this important event each year.

“I marvel at Dan’s ability to keep it fresh and to vary the theme on an annual basis. Each year we want to see a greater number of students in attendance. Hopefully, the writing competition this year will really spur student interest.”

For further information about the event, please contact Daniel Weaver, Shaker High School Social Studies Department at 785-5511 ext. 3620 or at dweaver@ncolonie.org.

Download Veteran's Information Form (PDF)