Ridley High School will host its annual Memorial Day Commemoration on Friday, May 22, bringing together students, staff, veterans, families, and community members to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Ridley War Memorial and will feature student speakers, musical performances, guest remarks, and a reading of the names of local fallen heroes memorialized within the Ridley community. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m.
The morning will begin with Ridley High School’s 4th Annual Murph Challenge at 5:00 a.m. at the Ridley Community Center. Led by Mr. Erik Hollingsworth, the event honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy and all fallen service members through the nationally recognized Murph Hero Workout. Students, staff, coaches, and community members will participate in the challenge as a tribute to service, sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance.
Through a partnership with The Locker, Ridley High School’s student-run school store, commemorative Murph shirts were designed, marketed, and sold by students under the leadership of Ms. Kristin Milewski and Ms. Kristina Rosato. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and their families.
The formal commemoration ceremony will include performances by Ridley’s Rhapsody choir under the direction of Mr. Josiah Krawiec, reflections on the history and significance of Memorial Day by Mrs. Kristen Schaffer, and a special “Tribute to the Fallen” presented by students from Mrs. Bethany Chadwick’s class.
Ridley High School is also honored to welcome Navy Counselor First Class Petty Officer Robert A. Wetzel, Retired, as the ceremony’s featured guest speaker. A graduate of Penn Wood High School and a Ridley School District community member, Petty Officer Wetzel served 22 years in the United States Navy, including multiple deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. His distinguished military career included service with Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, support of U.S. Special Forces operations, assignments at Camp David and the Pentagon, and the commissioning of the USS America. His honors include the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for Valor and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Principal Jamie Pena emphasized the importance of the event in helping students understand the meaning of service and sacrifice.
“At Ridley High School, we believe our responsibility extends far beyond academics,” Pena said. “This ceremony provides an opportunity for our students and community to come together in remembrance, gratitude, and reflection. Memorial Day reminds us that freedom is never free, and it is our responsibility to ensure the sacrifices of others are never forgotten.”
The Ridley community is invited to watch the live stream and participate in this meaningful day of remembrance and reflection. Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/G-Oq-In-W6w