Educators, parents and students helped honor veterans

Shown at right, fifth graders Evan Fossett, portraying Ulysses S. Grant, Jesse Randolph, portraying Maj. Sullivan Ballou, Hailey Ashcroft, portraying Molly Pitcher, and Tatiyana Morrell, portraying Harriet Beecher Stowe, sing "Proud to be an American" at Pumpkin Delight Elementary School's 13th annual Americana Jubilee.


Photo by Susan Misur

By Chris Brunau
Special to the Register
MILFORD — City Clerk Alan Jepson was left with a lump in his throat after witnessing Pumpkin Delight Elementary School’s fifth-grade class pay homage to veterans through its annual play, “Americana Jubilee: A Tribute to America’s Veterans.”
The play outlined American history in war from 1775, beginning with the Revolutionary War, to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each era was displayed with vivid costumes from the PTA and patriotic songs by the children, accompanied by Pumpkin Delight’s music teacher Robert Nunno on the piano.
Student Darby Hudd, 11, who played a southerner named Belle Boyd, said her character was a spy and would go into battle.
She said it was hard to learn all the songs but she was eager to impress veterans in the audience.
Parent Rick Manganiello attended to watch daughter Brittany play a nurse, and said she had a sleepover last weekend during which some girls practiced the play’s many songs.
Fifth-grade teachers Carol LaPlante and Deborah Bourdoulous worked with their classes since February, planning the performance for veterans and the community.
“It is very challenging, and a very serious endeavor,” said LaPlante.
Parents also played a role in organizing the play.
The costumes were coordinated by parent Maria Bravo, who drove as far as Mystic to find some of them.
“The parents and the teachers gave me ideas, and I just went out and got the pieces to put the costumes together,” said Bravo.
Many students, such as Ian Watterson, 11, who played President George Washington, had costumes donated by the PTA, and some, like Marissa Prizio, 11, who played Clara Barton, made a costume with a parent.
With songs and displays for veterans, it was hard not to be moved, those in attendance said.
“It was fantastic. I had a lump in my throat the entire time, and I have been coming to see this for years,” said Jepson.
“I was impressed. I don’t think some of the university kids could do this well,” said Robert Paddock, a Vietnam veteran.
In addition to veterans, officials attended, including Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford.
Both Richetelli and Slossberg spoke to the crowd and said the play was an amazing way to learn history and understand how important it is to be a proud American.
“It was phenomenal, the kids learn a lot about what America is all about and what it means to honor our veterans,” said Slossberg.
Principal Vincent Scarpetti said, “This was my fourth year seeing the play, and it still brings a tear to my eye.
“The songs that the children sing and the way they honor the veterans are amazing.”
Milford Weekly interim editor Susan Misur contributed to this story.