As the academic school year is coming to a close, families are prepared to celebrate graduations and embrace a new chapter of academic success for their fellow students.
But not all choose to pursue college after they walk across the stage with their caps and gowns. Some choose to take a break from school, while others may choose to serve their country by enlisting into one of the United States armed services.
On Saturday, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, 70 graduating high school students from the Santa Clarita Valley and other neighboring cities gathered for anenlistee recognition ceremony for their commitment to serve in one of the six military branches.
Many students are celebrated for earning scholarships, athletic achievements, and securing a spot into the best schools during this time of year, but enlistees don’t usually get recognized, said Mark Hartzell, president of the local Kiwanis club.
“This is our way to recognize them, and their families for the service they’re about to step into,” he said.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors, followed by a prayer for the students and a message of encouragement.
Retired United States Army Maj. Gen. Mark MacCarley began his segment by telling the enlistees that they will embark a journey of transformation, gaining confidence and a skillset that could be life-changing for them.
“You are proud, you’re going to be extraordinarily competent, and you’re going to do something that very few people in this country have ever or will ever do,” MacCarley said. “You will serve, and after your tour, whether it’s four, six years, you go full tilt and run a 20-year career … it doesn’t matter. That represents service and it represents the best of you.”
Following his speech, the 70 graduating seniors took the enlistee oath before they walked across the stage to be given a medal and a copy of the U.S. Constitution for them to keep.
Our Community Salutes is a national nonprofit organization that honors high school seniors who are committed to enlisting into the U.S. armed services following graduation. It was founded in 2009by educator and former U.S. Army officer Kenneth Hartman.
To witness the gathering of young men and women ready to embark a journey that not many are set to take is “really fulfilling,” Hartzell said. “To be able to honor them and give them the recognition they deserve. We pray for their safety and their ultimate return to society, and it will be an experience that I’m sure they will hold onto for the rest of their lives.”
