As part of Santa Ynez Valley Union High School’s efforts to honor veterans for Veterans’ Day, 15 local veterans will gather at the school for breakfast and classroom visits Wednesday, Nov. 9. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. in the school’s Board Room.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School partnered with a local veterans organization Santa Ynez Valley Veterans, which includes veterans from American Legion Post 160 and the VFW Post 7139.

Veteran Jeff McKeone and American Legion Post 160 brought in the participating veterans. They are: Jim Banakus, Gary Conway, Steve Cullen, Joe Gonzalez, Art Kaslow, Jeff McKeon, Raelynn Petersen, Bruce Porter, Carlos Quintero, Jim Richardson, Al Salge, Alejandra Sanchez, Rafael Sanchez, Dan Smith and Dave Smith.

The breakfast is co-sponsored by the high school and Santa Ynez Valley Elks #2640. Following breakfast, the veterans will be visiting classrooms and meeting with students. The morning will include video interviews of the veterans from the high school’s media program.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School would like to let all veterans know how much the school and the community appreciate their service. The school is proud to host these fine local veterans at the high school Wednesday morning.

“We have an amazing group of students, as well as amazing community members. It’s important for these two groups to connect as often as possible,” said Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Principal Michael Niehoff. “We are always trying to challenge our students to serve their communities.

“What better way to do that than to have them meet those that have done that in such profound and impactful ways.”