Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Holyoke War Memorial will feature the singing talents of Transitions Academy second-year participant Aniya Gomez. She will open the program with her rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” which she will sing a capella.
Aniya said the opportunity feels like "an honor because I get to express how I personally feel about these certain types of events. I feel like it'll also give me a chance to show that people with neurodiversity can sing, and I can actually do these types of special events.”
Aniya’s journey into music began in elementary school, where she described herself as "a very shy person.” A pivotal moment came when she attended Holyoke High School North and met theater, media, and senior seminar teacher Bevan Brunelle, whom she credits with helping her express herself through theater and music. She plans to continue her education at Holyoke Community College, where she intends to take theater courses.
For her Veterans Day performance, Aniya said she will put her heart and soul into it and noted her African-American and Hispanic heritage as inspiration for her approach.
“Aniya has a beautiful voice that reflects her compassion,” said Transitions Academy Corrine Moguel. “Being offered this opportunity to sing for an audience of community members is an important milestone for her as she continues to prepare for her future, which could include the musical and theatrical pursuits that she loves so much.”
This is the first year that the Holyoke War Memorial has served as a job site for Transitions Academy students, providing opportunities for participants to learn important employment and life skills with support from staff from the Holyoke Veterans Services Department.
The free program begins at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the War Memorial, 310 Appleton Street. The event will also include a breakfast hosted by American Legion Post 351 from 7-9 a.m., as well as lunch hosted by Post 325 American Legion beginning at 12 noon.