For over a decade, Hess has been instrumental in keeping Jefferson’s annual Veterans Day gathering alive. The gathering, a cherished event first started by longtime sixth-grade teacher Paul Lombardo, began over 25 years ago.

“The event has evolved throughout time to become what it is today; a learning conversation between students and veterans where questions are thoroughly answered by experts,” Hess said. “In return, students give veterans a relaxing environment to thank them for their service in a way that kids do best.”

Students invite veteran guests they have a personal connection to — family members, neighbors, or family friends — and welcome them to an afternoon of fellowship.

“Students typically honor the veterans by putting on a short performance,” Hess said. “In addition, veterans are there to answer questions students may have throughout their table conversations, as well as, with the whole group of students.”

Local veterans engage with Jefferson Middle School fifth grade students during a recent Veterans Day Gathering held at the school prior to the observance.

In preparation, Hess’s fifth graders learn about the history and meaning of Veterans Day through her English Language Arts class and spend several weeks rehearsing their program.

“From there, we practice our performance of reading short poems, stories and songs for about two weeks,” Hess said. “There are also fun preparations such as picking out the decorations and food that we are going to gather around on that day.”

For Hess, the true value of the breakfast comes from the exchange between students and veterans.

“What students learn from this event can not come from a textbook or a teacher,” she said. “The real-life stories that these veterans share with students about what prompted them to join the service, what they learned while they served, and what they took away from active duty can not be duplicated. Veterans share raw emotion as they go through their in-depth experiences with students about their willingness to support our country in this honorable fashion.”