ROCKPORT — This is the second year that a particular Army veteran and his wife have attended the Honor Society Veteran’s Day breakfast at Camden Hills Regional High School. Though only attending a couple of times now, their response is quick and enthusiastic: Absolutely, this is worth returning for.

This year, the CHRHS Honor Society hosted its 12th Veteran’s Day breakfast, held in the Wave cafeteria at the school. It is held here each year because, as one student pointed out, it is the only room big enough to hold everyone.

Along with providing this now well established venue for Veterans to gather and sit comfortably in a time and space intended for them, this year’s Society is promoting their second annual mattress sale fundraiser, Nov. 23, 2024 (Veterans get a discount). The money raised will increase opportunity for other similar programs put on by the Honor Society. Last year, the fundraiser raised $21,000, according to advisor Craig Ouellette .

“This is a big deal,” said Ouellette.

Tables and chairs are spread out through the cafeteria, white linen cloths, decorative centerpieces, a large wall poster signifying the event. The sprawl of seats is held together within the confines of the event by the long buffet table stretching through the primary space.

Ten or more students play host over the homemade and donated foods at the serving area. Another group flips pancakes in the kitchen. Others act as doormen and -women at the front entrance, opening doors to incoming and outgoing visitors – and when asked where the Wave cafeteria is, one student started to point, thought better of it, and walked his guest down the hall and into the hands of the next receiving line.

“Some say that our country may not be headed in the right direction,” said Jeff Sukeforth. “[But], by the looks of these folks, I think we’re pretty good.”

Still, others settle into empty seats among their guests and fight beyond those first awkward moments of starting conversations with strangers. The Honor Society this year has a roster of 100 students, Juniors and Seniors, with a sprinkling of Sophomores. Some conversations with the Vets are hard won. After the first half hour, the particular Army Vet and his wife had already attempted small talk with a couple of student groups before another set sat down. Hearing aids struggle to capture quiet adolescent voices. At some tables, the interviews are reversed – Veterans inquire about the teens. Some conversations turn to high school sports. Others speak of duration of marriage, the event itself, the food in front of them.

It is an easy give and take, helping each other through.

The students learn to coordinate and host events. The Veterans enjoy a free meal in an accepting environment.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com