Each year, Mrs. Gerard and her Culinary Arts students at Hemlock High School go above and beyond to honor veterans through a tradition that holds deep meaning for the school community—a Thanksgiving feast dedicated to celebrating and thanking the veterans within their own families, as well as those on the school’s staff. This event, a beloved annual tradition at Hemlock, serves as a powerful lesson in respect and gratitude, and this year was particularly meaningful for Mrs. Gerard herself.
On the evening of the event, the Culinary Arts students welcomed 30 guests, including veterans and their spouses, with a meal they had carefully planned, prepared, and served. From the menu selection to the final touches on each dish, students demonstrated the utmost respect and attention to detail, underscoring the importance of their mission: to honor those who have served our country. Mrs. Gerard believes this experience teaches students a critical life lesson in respecting the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms.
In a heartwarming surprise, Mrs. Gerard’s parents traveled from Sandusky to attend the dinner, bringing with them a photo of her grandfather, a proud WWII veteran. For the first time in the more than 20 years Mrs. Gerard has been hosting this event, she was able to honor her own family’s service. She was visibly moved to share this moment with her students and guests, highlighting how honoring our veterans is both a personal and communal responsibility.
Through events like this, Hemlock High School students gain a deeper understanding of the immense sacrifices veterans have made for our country. They learn that respect for veterans is not simply an acknowledgment but a practice, shown through the dedication and care they put into this meal. By honoring veterans with this annual dinner, Mrs. Gerard and her students create a space to say thank you and remind us all of the importance of remembrance and gratitude.