Lake County Gazette

Each November, Grayslake Central High School hosts its annual Veterans Day Assembly and Breakfast. The event brings together students, staff, and community members to honor military veterans through a morning of remembrance and appreciation.

The assembly includes a color guard presentation, musical performances by the school's band and choir, and a keynote address that focuses on themes of leadership, sacrifice, and service. Afterward, veterans are invited to a breakfast in the gymnasium. Students from Key Club and the Public Service Practicum (PSP) class organize and serve at the breakfast, arriving early to set up decorations and prepare handmade placemats and "I Honor" cards for the occasion.

Jim Plaza, Social Studies teacher and Key Club co-sponsor, said: “It’s the best day of the year. It’s powerful for everyone involved.”

Kristen Salmons, Special Education teacher and Key Club co-sponsor, commented: “Our kids spend weeks preparing. They take so much pride in creating something meaningful.”

Plaza noted that for many veterans, receiving a standing ovation during the assembly is especially memorable. “It’s emotional every year,” he said. “The gratitude is real, and students can feel the impact of what they’ve done.”

Last year’s event saw attendance from more than 125 veterans along with their families. According to Plaza: “Simple gestures, like a handshake, a thank-you, a warm meal, go a long way.”

Local restaurants, businesses, and food service provider Quest contribute breakfast items and supplies for the event. Salmons remarked: “This is what community looks like. Everyone gives a little to make something unforgettable.”

Grayslake Central encourages community members to invite veterans—whether family members or neighbors—to participate in this tradition by contacting the school or event sponsors.

Grayslake Central High School is part of Grayslake Community High School District 127 in Lake County. The district also includes Grayslake North High School. Additional data shows that Grayslake Community High School District 127 employs 195 teachers with an average salary of $79,647; nearly 60 percent are women. There are no teachers in the district with more than 10 absences per year according to recent reports from the Illinois State Board of Education (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Demographically, about 58 percent of students in District 127 identify as White; Hispanic students account for 25 percent; Asian students represent over seven percent; Black students comprise just over four percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

In fiscal terms, District 127 spent $31,874 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure exceeding $88 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).