Plum Canyon Elementary, along with multiple other Saugus Union School District schools, recognized Patriot Day Tuesday alongside parents and family guests who also act as service people and first responders in the community.

“Our goal with this event was really to celebrate all our veterans, all first responders, all the people who are on the line of duty every single day,” said Alina Vehuni, assistant vice principal at Plum Canyon Elementary, “and really teach our students what patriotism is all about… What taking pride in your community, in your city and in your school is all about.”

The assembly held on Plum Canyon Elementary’s campus is an annual event that allows students to engage with some of Santa Clarita’s veterans and service people in uniform — including military officers, law enforcement, firefighters, nurses and doctors, according to school administrators.  

“We recognized that these first responders are the people who make our communities tick,” said Lee Morrell, public information officer for the Saugus Union School District. “If we recognize community to community just what our first responders are doing on a daily basis, then it helps (students) understand how a community works.”

Parent and Nurse, Emily Arellano, Parent and master sergeant, David Arellano and Registered Nurse, Michelle Hardness

During the ceremony, all those in audience collectively recited the pledge of allegiance, sang the National Anthem and heard from Vehuni, who thanked the parents in attendance for the work they have done both at the school and in the community.

Celebrated service people were then given a chance to introduce themselves and their children.

“It was a delight to see how much a public school will support public servants and military members, especially on such an important day,” said David Arellano, a parent and master sergeant. “And for me, it shows me that I got my kids in a good school system.”

Similar Patriot Day events took place at multiple Saugus Union School District locations Tuesday, including Bridgeport, Emblem Academy, James Foster, Highlands, Skyblue Mesa, Rosedell and Tesoro Del Valle, as well as numerous other schools in the other districts across the Santa Clarita Valley.

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