Veterans Day Celebration
Brandenburg Middle School honored our nation's veterans with three meaningful grade-level assemblies on Veterans Day. The National Junior Honor Society members organized and hosted these special ceremonies, which brought together students, staff, and our guests of honor—veterans from our school community and family members who have served. Several staff members who are also veterans delivered inspiring speeches. Among the speakers was eighth grade history teacher, Mr. Pruitt, whose words captured the significance of the day and the importance of serving your community.
Mr. Pruitt's Speech Delivered November 11, 2025
"Hello, Braves. I’m Steven Pruitt, and I’m honored to stand here today, not just as your 8th Grade U.S. History teacher, but as a veteran, on this important day. I want to sincerely thank the NJHS, Mrs. Bassett, and Mr. King for this opportunity.
My commitment to service began when I was 18, following in the footsteps of a family with a long tradition of military duty. I retired after 24 years of active duty service in the Air Force. That time took me all over the world, from Hawaii to Poland, and on deployments to Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
When I retired, I faced a moment of reflection—a brief period where I truly wondered if I was doing enough for my country and, specifically, for my community here in Garland. I realized that a life of service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. I decided to do more: to speak more, to give more time. I want to give more in this classroom, give more in these hallways, and give more to the community of Garland.
For 24 years, that opportunity was global. At every single station, the most meaningful work happened off-duty, serving the local population:
● I volunteered as a Big Brother mentor in Guam.
● I worked with the Special Olympics in North Dakota.
● I coached youth basketball in Alaska.
● I led community events with NATO in Poland.
In every single location, the military member was the constant, dependable force looking for ways to teach, mentor, and simply show up for the community. Each veteran you honor today is a shining example of this commitment to global community service. We learn early on that the most important thing you can give is your time. But I am here today not just to honor military veterans, but to tell you that the opportunity for service is all around you, right here at Brandenburg.
The military is not the only path. My family includes teachers, coaches, police officers, nurses, and caretakers. When my time in the Air Force ended, I didn't retire from service; I transferred my post. The handshake I gave to accept this job as your teacher was as important and meaningful to me as my original oath of enlistment. It was the continuation of service.
My time in the military taught me a fundamental truth: service is a mindset, not a mission description. You don't need a plane, a gun, or a tank to make an impact; you just need the opportunity to serve. I truly believe that the value of the service I provide now—working with our campus families and advocating for resource equity within our district—is just as vital as any deployment. Why? Because the key to changing a community is the willingness to show up and invest your time.
My challenge to you, the students of Brandenburg, is simple:
1. Look Locally: Where is there a need right now? It could be tutoring a younger student,
helping a neighbor, or volunteering at a school event.
2. Give Your Time: Stop worrying about what to do and just start showing up. If you are
consistent, your impact will become clear.
3. Follow Me: If you are unsure how to begin, follow my example. I am committed to giving more in this classroom, in the hallways, and in the community of Garland. I will be here to guide you toward opportunities to serve.
Thank you to all veterans for your sacrifice. And thank you, students, for taking the time to listen today. I look forward to serving alongside you."