O'Neal Honors Veterans and Military Families on Veterans Day
The O'Neal School welcomed veterans, active-duty military personnel, and military families to its 14th Annual Military Appreciation Assembly on Nov. 11 in the Hannah Center Gymnasium. Head of School John Samples, who recently retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Army, opened the program by recognizing both those who have served and the families who support them.
Students honored guests with patriotic music before welcoming Medal of Honor recipient Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Matthew O. Williams as the featured speaker. Williams shared lessons from his military service, including a life-changing deployment to Afghanistan, and encouraged students to embrace perseverance, character, and service to others.
Connecting his message to O'Neal's "One O'Neal" theme, Williams challenged students to "find work, be useful," reminding them that leadership is not defined by rank or recognition but by a willingness to help others and contribute to a greater purpose.
The annual assembly continues to be a meaningful tradition that honors the sacrifices of military members and their families while inspiring students to live lives of service, gratitude, and responsibility.
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741
To reach the NC Peer Warmline, call 855-733-7762
© The O'Neal School