HUSD - Higley High School

Higley Home | A-Z Index | Contact Higley | Employment | Veteran’s Day Celebration On November 10, 2008, Higley High School held its first annual Veteran’s Day Celebration. Mr. Tony Malaj, Higley High’s Assistant Principal, came up with the idea for the event and coordinated the involvement of all who participated. Not only were Higley’s AFJROTC students and band members featured, but all Higley’s teachers who were veterans and a number of outside guests were in attendance as well.

The festivities began at the flagpole with Higley’s band playing the National Anthem while AFJROTC raised the flag. In attendance was also the Patriot Guard Riders; a motorcycle group who are mostly veterans. At the request of families, they attend funerals for deceased veterans, welcome vets home from overseas, and, as their motto says, they are “Standing for those who stood for us”.

At the conclusion of the flag ceremony, a World War II plane flew low over the school and the students moved into the Performing Arts Center for an assembly. As part of the program, Mr. Mitch Johnson, an Economics teacher at Higley High, demonstrated the significance of the MIA, or Missing In Action, table. A table is set in the absence of the missing veteran dressed with items such as a rose, a plate, and an upturned glass as the loved ones of him who is missing wait for his return. Mr. Johnson’s presentation was a moving tribute to those who are still missing in action. It was so striking, that the entire audience sat in complete silence from beginning to end.

The assembly was emceed by Mr. Craig Fouhy, the Sports Director of Channel 15 TV and the guest speaker was Congressman Jeff Flake. Congressman Flake shared a story about his brother’s experiences in war and told of the impact it had on him. He expressed the pride he felt on this day and raved about the respectful and patriotic manner in which Higley High had celebrated America and her veterans.

Dr. Michael DeRosa, an English teacher at Higley and 24 year Navy veteran said: “I was most impressed with the AFJROTC students who performed the folding of the flag ceremony. They conducted themselves as professional Airmen would; reverence for our flag, well practiced movements, and a sharp military bearing. I am extremely proud of those kids. Colonel McCarthy and Master Sergeant Malcolm are doing a great job motivating those kids to do their best.” Dr. DeRosa’s father also attended the assembly representing the veterans who fought in World War II Europe.

All the services and wars since WWII were represented. Veterans from every service were in attendance including teachers, parents of teachers, and a Higley High graduate, Mario Castro, who is a United States Marine. He was home on leave and had already served one tour in Iraq. When announced during the assembly, Mario received a thundering standing ovation.

Higley High may have started something; other schools heard about our event and have talked about having such a tribute next year. We sometimes lose the meaning of Patriotism and it helps to remember that veterans are people with a face and a history. They sacrificed much and are owed so much; it’s important to remember just who made sure we were free. 4068 East Pecos Road. Gilbert, AZ, 85295 | Phone: (480) 279-7300 | Fax: (480) 279-7305