Integrity, brotherhood, a commitment to service, and a strong moral character—these are values instilled into every man of Avon. They are traits taught to our boys every day, but Veterans Day is a particularly poignant opportunity to show students what it truly means to uphold these values.

On Tuesday, all of the traditional Veterans Day events took place on campus—from the Morning Meeting slideshow that recognized the service of students’ loved ones to the all-school 5k race in the afternoon. There were also some meaningful new additions to this year’s program.

Eric Lundell, who serves as the school’s director of campus safety, head wrestling coach, and history teacher, is a veteran himself. He began Tuesday’s program with a brief history of how Veteran’s Day came about. He then introduced the first speaker to a packed Susan Casey Brown Auditorium: Adrian Keyes ’04.

Keyes explained that all students in attendance had a personal connection to Veterans Day whether they knew it or not. This is because many Avonians have gone on to serve their country after graduating, including Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel '02, US Army Special Forces.

Known around Avon as “PK,” Pedersen-Keel was a proud member of the Avon Old Farms community. Throughout high school, he embraced all that AOF had to offer. He was a Dean’s List student, tri-sport varsity athlete, dormitory monitor, and editor of the school newspaper. He graduated from Avon in 2002, and then from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006. Andrew was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as an Army Ranger, serving as company executive officer and platoon leader. On March 11, 2013, Pedersen-Keel was killed in action in Eastern Afghanistan at the age of 28.

“He was a student here. He went to Morning Meetings here,” Keyes explained in his address. Keyes revealed that, although graduating two years after Pedersen-Keel, they ended up in basic training together and grew close in their early years in the military.

As usual, Pedersen-Keel’s mother Helen was also in attendance. When she approached the podium to speak, she was met with a standing ovation. “When I stand up here, I want you to see Andrew’s mom, but I want you to think of your moms,” she began. “I’m indebted to Avon Old Farms because this place was Andrew’s other parent. His death is made easier for me because of each and every one of you in this room. I thank you for continuing to take care of me and of Andrew’s legacy.”

The Honorable Ron Welch, Brigadier General, US Army (Ret) also addressed the community. He discussed the importance of teamwork and brotherhood, but also provided insight into how it feels to think about Pedersen-Keel and other fallen soldiers. “It’s not relief or gratitude…what it really feels like for us when we come back home is survivor’s guilt.”

This is an issue that alumnus Steve Lewis ’73 is very familiar with. Lewis, who helped organize the Veterans Day program, has spent the latter half of his life finding ways to honor and support Veterans struggling with the mental toll of their experiences. Part of his preparation for the event included the creation of a shadowbox to commemorate Pedersen-Keel. The display includes his green beret, uniform, and many of the medals and patches he earned during his military career.

Lewis says he hopes students in attendance took time to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made. “Andrew represents the best of what Avon Old Farms School is. This school teaches you that you can rise on the merits of your hard work. I hope people see Andrew’s picture and the shadowbox and see it as something to look up and aspire to,” Lewis said.

It was a powerful presentation for students like Tristan Blaine ’26, who had a family member serve as a Navy Seal. “I thought the two keynote speakers were highly decorated and commendable. I thought the program overall was really inspirational,” Blaine shares.

Following the morning program, which concluded with a bagpipe-led procession out of the auditorium, Keyes and some of the other veterans in attendance joined Mr. Lundell’s leadership class for a more intimate discussion. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about leadership and how different strategies might be effective among their peers. The overall conclusion: forming connections to gain understanding is paramount in being a good leader.

In the afternoon, students and faculty alike gathered at the Trautman Athletic Fields for the school-wide 5k in memory of Pedersen-Keel to conclude a day full of reflection and appreciation for those who served.

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