“I would argue that character is a choice that comes from deep within each of us,” said Berlin Central School District Superintendent Mr. Ken Rizzo during his video address at Berlin Middle High School’s 14th Annual Veterans Day Assembly and Breakfast on November 7, 2025.
Mr. Rizzo, who was unable to attend in person, continued by encouraging the students to listen and reflect on each veteran’s stories, their values, and the character they possess. “These distinctive attributes of one’s character can drive each student in the audience to make your school, your community, and your great nation a better place.”
The day’s events began with a breakfast prepared by the BMHS Food Service Staff: Ms. Lora Dunlop, Ms. Amanda Monk, and Ms. Alica Maloney.
High School Mountaineers Nate Goodermote, MacKenzie Lowell, Emma Shorter, Elliot Smith, Anthony DeLaurentis, Penelope Haas, Xavier Lamica, Jack Mace, Charlie Young, and Lillian Von Schilgen welcomed the veterans and assisted with serving breakfast.
Berlin High School senior Tylie Dodge contributed greatly to this year’s event by creating over twenty pieces of Veteran-themed artwork to give as a token of gratitude for each veteran in attendance. BMHS Art Teacher Ms. Shannon DeCelle was so impressed and moved by the commitment and creativity Tylie showed in taking on this project. A big thank you to Tylie and to senior Carlee Loucks, who contributed an artwork as well.
Following breakfast, the veterans paraded into the auditorium, greeted by cheers and gratitude from the entire Mountaineer student body and staff.
The guests of honor were welcomed by the BMHS Chorus, directed by Mrs. Gretchen Modesitt, and the BMHS Band, directed by Mrs. Jessica Gould. The Berlin High School Chorus opened the assembly by performing the National Anthem and, ‘God Bless America’, followed by the BHS Band’s performance of ‘A Tribute to the Armed Services’ – a medley of official songs from the US Armed Forces branches.
Mrs. Gould asked the veterans to stand if able, to be recognized during their branches’ theme. The musical performances were excellent, leaving Mrs. Modesitt and Mrs. Gould beaming with pride for the way the Mountaineer musicians honored the veterans through their music.
Following the musical performances, the audience was welcomed by BCSD Superintendent Mr. Rizzo’s video message, which included the history of Veterans Day and its significance, encouraging the Mountaineers to look to the veterans in the audience as an exemplar example of what character and community look like.
Mr. Robert Gould, chair of the Social Studies Department, coordinated and hosted the annual event for the 14th year and spoke to the audience about why he selected the theme of ‘Character Builds Community.’
Mr. Gould shared his experience of growing up with a father who was a veteran, and generations before him of veterans, and how it positively helped to shape his character and the way he receives and engages with his community.
This year’s theme aligns with Berlin CSD receiving the Seal of Civic Readiness from the New York State Education Department this fall, which was through the hard work of Mr. Gould’s Social Studies Department, especially BHS Social Studies Teacher Mr. Erik Viner. The Seal of Civic Readiness is foundationally built around one’s character and the way they choose to engage and lift up their community through engagement and problem-solving.
Find out what the Seal of Civic Readiness means for BCSD in a conversation between Superintendent Mr. Rizzo, Mr. Viner, and Mr. Gould here:
BMHS Principal Mr. David Bernsley spoke on this year’s theme of character and community, as well as thanked Mr. Gould, Mr. Viner, the BMHS Food Service Department, and Music Department for their outstanding work in creating and preparing for the event.
Mr. Bernsley shared his deep pride and gratitude for his father, who was in the Navy, and for all who have fought for their country, not party, and encouraged the audience to consider that significance. Mr. Bernsley asked the students to model that example and, even if they have differing political beliefs, not let it divide them as Americans.
Mr. Bernsley welcomed back New York State Senator and veteran Mr. Jake Ashby, thanking him for his service and continued support of the Berlin CSD school and community.
Senator Ashby spoke to the Mountaineers about serving his country and community, stating that the honor of service to one’s community builds character. Ashby expressed how he is always taken aback by the wave of emotion and pride he feels from the welcome the Mountaineer Community gives its veterans each year.
Thank you to the Berlin Central School Community and local community for making this year’s Berlin Middle High School Veterans Day assembly so meaningful.
Mr. Gould hopes that the community will spread the word about this event, and that the district can host many more of our community’s veterans in the years to come.
To all our veterans near and far, thank you for your service.