Honoring Veterans Across Poly’s Community

Polytechnic School took time this November to recognize and celebrate those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Students in the Lower, Middle, and Upper School learned about the meaning of Veterans Day through conversation, art, writing, and reflection.

In the Lower School, veterans including Kindergarten Teacher Sherlyn Burns and PEP Staff Member Iggy Rodriguez P ’05 were interviewed by students in front of the school during Morning Meeting. Sherlyn, who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1987, shared how her time in service allowed her to travel and live abroad, learn Korean, and gain diverse life experiences. Iggy, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1986, spoke about how grateful he was for the experience of serving—and how the best part was returning safely home to his family in the United States.

“Something that stuck with me was how our service affected all of us who served. Most of all, how different we came back. We became more mature and more sure of ourselves, after living through a period where we just had a split second to react,” said Iggy. “The most important part was to serve my country and give back a little bit of time and effort to the country that has given me so much.”

Lower Schoolers also wrote letters to veterans commemorating the holiday.

In the Middle School, teachers Amy Jaffe, Katie Ward, and Kamiko Johnson guided students through a reflective lesson featuring short videos from the Wounded Warrior Project. Students then wrote original poems, adopting the voices of veterans to express empathy, gratitude, and understanding.

At the Upper School, Upper School Dean of Student Activities Laurianne Williams recognized veterans during Morning Meeting, with plans for Jose Gutierrez P ’29, an Army veteran, to speak at a later gathering.

Beyond campus, Poly also extends its gratitude to the more than 100 veterans within the alumni community. Two Poly graduates—Steve Huffman ’04 and Marc Mares ’01—shared their experiences and reflections on service.

Steve Huffman ’04 was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program in June 2008. After completing flight training, he earned his wings of gold in 2010 and went on to fly the FA-18F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron 32, deploying aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He later served as an Instructor Pilot, earned a master’s degree in Military Art and Science, and completed additional deployments aboard the USS Nimitz in support of several global operations. Today, Steve serves as the Executive Officer of the Training Squadron 10 Squadron Augmentation Unit in the Navy Reserve and flies as a First Officer for Delta Air Lines.

“I am fortunate to have been able to live my childhood dream—becoming a Navy fighter pilot,” Steve said. “For me, the opportunity to serve rarely felt like a burden, but an opportunity to do something I loved while giving back to my country.”

Marc Mares ’01 graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2007. His first duty station was in San Diego, where he focused on contingency planning for maritime threats and emergency response. Selected by the Coast Guard to pursue his MBA in 2010, Marc later managed the operational budget for units stationed throughout the Western Hemisphere before entering the reserves in 2016.

“While we continually learn from our actions as a nation, I always felt grateful for the opportunities it did afford my family,” Marc said. “Service seemed essential to preserve these for others. Also, my father was a veteran and I admired his service to others even after he left the military.”

From early learners to alumni, Poly’s recognition of Veterans Day highlights the school’s shared values of leading inclusively and practicing resilience—honoring those who have dedicated themselves to something greater than themselves.

Read the full interviews with Poly Alumni Marc Mares ’01 and Steve Huffman ’04 here.