In May, the Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua put on a banquet at North Warren Presbyterian Community Center for graduating seniors who have signed on and their parents, counselors, and recruiters.

“We, mothers of military, noticed that those seniors choosing to serve their country didn’t get the recognition and support they truly deserve,” President Skyla Govier said. “We wanted to give it to them.”

Speakers for the event were Veteran and Blue Star Mother of Kinzua Vice President Lynette Ristau, Space Force Lt. Col. Meagan Thrush, and State Rep. Kathy Rapp.

Each graduate received a red, white, and blue cord to wear and be recognized at graduation, a patriotic, handmade eagle by Becky Jameson, a Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua Challenge Coin, a poem for their mothers, and other materials.

Celebrating graduating seniors who are entering the armed forces at a May event hosted by Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua are (from left): State Rep. Kathy Rapp, Bryce Blair, Hunter Feeny, Wyatt Lindsey, Nicholas Joseph, Matthew Collins, Makenna Moore, and Lt. Col. Meagan Thrush.

The following students were recognized:

¯ Mary Muzzy, Sheffield Area High School, Marines;

¯ Nicholas Joseph, Sheffield Area High School, Army;

¯ Wyatt Lindsey, Sheffield Area High School, Marines;

¯ Makenna Moore, Eisenhower High School, Air Force;

Celebrating graduating seniors who are entering the armed forces at a May event hosted by Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua are recruiters (from left): Sgt. Tyren, Army, Sgt. Platek, Air Force, and Sgt. Willard, Army.

¯ Bryce Blair, Warren Area High School, National Guard;

¯ Tristan Dolan, Warren Area High School, National Guard;

¯ Christopher Gardiner, Warren Area High School, Marines;

¯ Matthew Collins, Warren Area High School, Marines;

¯ Alex Huffman, Warren Area High School, Army;

¯ Aden Savko, Warren Area High School, Army;

¯ Hunter Feeny, Warren Area High School, Coast Guard;

¯ Cooper Nystrom, Kane Area High School, National Guard; and

¯ Trey Howe, Kane Area High School, Army.

“Our hearts and appreciation go out to these brave students who have decided to be the 1% who join our nation’s great military,” Blue Star Mothers Recognition Committee Chairman Lori Phillips said.