Holyoke High School North Principal Lori McKenna will be celebrated as “Citizen of the Year” during Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Holyoke War Memorial.
Ms. McKenna has been principal at HHS North for five years and has been an employee of the school district for 21 years.
“She has been an outstanding collaborator between Holyoke students and our local veterans,” said Laddy Rua, who serves as director of the Veteran Services Department and chairwoman of the War Memorial Commission. “We appreciate her so much, and she very much deserves this recognition.”
The program will feature three other recognitions, including:
Veteran of the Year award to Michael Washut, a Veteran Services graves restoration volunteer
Safety of the Year award to Holyoke Police Officer Jay Parnell
Business of the Year to Pic's Pub and Pizzeria
The Veterans Services Department sponsored a writing and drawing contest this year for students in grades 6-8, with the theme “Saluting a Hero.” Two winners will be selected from among the submitted entries.
Tuesday’s 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.