On Veterans Day, November 11, the Avon Old Farms School community came together to honor Class of 2002 alumnus CPT Andrew Pedersen-Keel.  "PK," as he was known by teachers, friends, and family, was killed in action while serving as a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) during his deployment in Afghanistan in March of 2013.

Headmaster Ken LaRocque began the ceremony, recognizing the importance of the event and the special significance of Veterans Day. The school celebrated and remembered those who have served our country in the Armed Forces, including Mr. Ken Watson ’55 and other retired veterans from Avon VFW Post 3272, who distributed 500 poppies to members of the student body, faculty, and guests. Dean Henry E. Flanagan Jr., currently in his 45th year of service with the U.S. Coast Guard, discussed the important history of Veteran’s Day, and the long tradition of presidential support for legalizing the holiday in this country. Dr. Flanagan also spoke about the symbolism of the red poppy, which grew strong, bold, and beautiful among the bloodied battlefields during World War I – beauty that prevailed against all odds, honoring those who had risked or given their own lives so that we might have a future.

Although this extraordinary young man was taken far too soon, PK’s short life was spent working hard and giving back to his community, modeling the core values he learned at Avon. Head Football Coach Emeritus Kevin Driscoll '72, who coached and mentored PK through all four of his years as an Avon student, spoke next about PK’s life as a young boy who became a true Man of Avon. Mr. Driscoll described PK as a quintessential Avonian: he was a four-year Dean’s List student, a two-year monitor, a tri-varsity athlete, the editor-in-chief of the Avon Record, and a member of several clubs. He was the “focal point” of a very successful varsity football team in 2001, a competitive athlete and student who embodied courage, respect, and honor. Mr. Driscoll urged students to follow PK's lead and become completely involved in their school – as a student, as an athlete, and as a person.

"He was the finest example of what all Men of Avon strive to be," explained Mr. Driscoll. "Few of us will lead a better life."

PK entered the United States Military Academy at West Point following his 2002 graduation from Avon Old Farms. This special event included Avon alumni and current West Point Cadets Jason Lally '11, Will White '13, and Wilson Meyer '13. On behalf of his peers, Wilson spoke to the community about his experiences during West Point’s Cadet Field Training, during which yearlings compete for the honor of earning the coveted Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel Memorial Award.  This award is given to the platoon leader who best exemplifies Army values and the concept of officership during cadet summer training known as Task Force Pedersen-Keel.

Guests then watched a moving video of pictures from PK's life. Mr. LaRocque noted that one chair – graced with the American flag and a dress cap – was left empty on stage, because PK was with Avon in spirit, forever. All veterans and parents of veterans were asked to stand to be recognized for their service, before Mr. LaRocque presented PK’s parents with a replica of the plaque that hangs in Digoenes dormitory room 301 – PK’s head monitor dorm room his senior year – which was dedicated and named in his honor. The emotional ceremony concluded with a performance of the national anthem from the Riddlers, before veterans and guests joined PK’s family for breakfast in the Commons Room.

We are forever grateful to the brave men and women who have protected our country, and will always remember the life of an extraordinary Avonian, CPT Andrew Pedersen-Keel '02, who died doing what he loved: serving the United States of America.