BAINBRIDGE - The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District welcomed more than 150 veterans, service members, and community guests on Friday morning for its 10th Annual Veterans Breakfast, marking a decade of appreciation, remembrance, and heartfelt community connection.

Held in the Greenlawn Elementary School cafeteria, the event brought together students, staff, Veterans from the Oxford Veterans’ Home, and local families to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The aroma of fresh pancakes and coffee filled the room as student volunteers guided guests to decorated tables featuring hand-drawn thank-you notes, and patriotic centerpieces created by elementary and middle school students.

Superintendent Timothy Ryan and Board of Education president Keith Hanvey opened the morning by expressing gratitude for the extraordinary turnout and for the ongoing support from area veterans. “This event has grown every year, but our mission remains the same,” superintendent Ryan said. “We want our students to understand the importance of service, sacrifice, and community—and there’s no better way to learn that than by meeting the people who lived it.”

The breakfast, prepared by the school’s food service team, included eggs, sausage, home fries, pastries, and fruit. Greenlawn Elementary students and staff served the meals and sat with veterans to listen to their stories.

A highlight of the event came when the school choir and a trumpet quintet performed a medley of patriotic songs, prompting applause and a few emotional tears from the audience.

As the tenth anniversary breakfast ended, organizers reflected on how the program has grown—from a small gathering in 2015 to a signature annual event now embraced by the entire school community.

Local veteran Jason Hall remarked “I attended the first breakfast 10 years ago when there were only 4 tables and look at this place now!”

“We’re incredibly proud of our students,” said Greenlawn Elementary school principal Jennifer Henderson who served as the emcee. “Their respect and enthusiasm show that this tradition will continue for many more years.”

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central School District extended its gratitude to all who attended and helped make the milestone event a success, reinforcing its commitment to honoring veterans not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. The district hopes to grow the program even more next year.

- Information from the BGCSD