Plymouth schools honor veterans

Posted November 17, 2025

Schools in the Plymouth School District held Veterans Day observances Nov. 11 to honor those who have served our country.

Plymouth High School

Plymouth High School students and staff gathered in the school auditorium at 9 a.m. for the annual Veterans Day program, which opened with Principal Joe Brandl explaining the history of Veterans Day and a color guard from VFW Post 5612 presenting colors.

The PHS Wind Ensemble and the PHS Concert Choir performed “Armed Forces - The Pride of America.” Students in the Public Address class provided a program about Veterans Day.

The color guard then presented a rifle salute in front of the school, followed by PHS students Hunter Struve and Ryan Helmer playing Echo Taps in the auditorium lobby.

Riverview Middle School

Riverview held an assembly at 9:25 a.m. in the school gym. Principal Tom Dorgan greeted those gathered, including many veterans. The 8th-grade Band and 8th-Grade Choir performed the National Anthem. The band, led by director Mike Fedyszyn, later played “Super Hero” by Scott Watson. The choir, led by choir director Rachel Simac, performed “In Flanders Fields.” The guest speaker was American Legion member Richard Merz.

Parkview Elementary School

Parkview students and staff gathered around the flagpole at 10:15 a.m. After opening remarks by Principal Todd Hunt, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from Parkview led the Pledge of Allegiance. Fourth-graders then explained the meaning of Veterans Day. A moment of silence was followed by Taps.

Fairview Elementary School

Principal Nick O’Malley greeted students and staff gathered at 10:30 a.m. in the school gym, then students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. Selected students also took turns explaining the significance of the day.

Horizon Elementary School

Principal Matt Mueller welcomed students and staff at 10:30 a.m. in the school gym, along with members of the American Legion. Students shared information on the meaning of Veterans Day, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After the colors were retired, veterans presented a rifle volley and the playing of Taps outside.

Our veterans

PHS Class of 2025

• Nicholas Farr: Air Force
• Elias Hansen: Air Force
• Max Jacquat: Army
• Max MacLeod: Army

Plymouth School District employees

• Josh Batzner, Riverview teacher: Army Reserve 1998-2001
• Monica Hamm, Fairview educational assistant: Navy
• Ashley Hilbelink, Riverview educational assistant: Army National Guard, 2001-09
• Todd Hunt, Parkview principal: Army 1991-1995, Reserve 1995-99
• Dominic Kowalczyk, Parkview educational assistant: Army 1997-2001
• Stephani Newby, Community Ed & Rec registration coordinator, Army 1986-89
• Todd Rortvedt, Food Service: Navy 1978-1984
• Jake Sherman, PHS teacher: Army 2001-09, deployed to Iraq 2004-05

Johnson Bus employees

• Dan Evanoff: Army National Guard Artillery, 1972-78
• David Niedfeldt: Navy Seabees, 1965-71
• Mark Zimmermann: Army, 1967-69 
• Clifford Kolbe: Marines, 1964-69 
• John Raif: Marines, 1989-94
• Tom Simons: Navy, 1977-1986
• Phil Tripoli: Navy, 1984-2004