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Toledo Technology Academy students learn from veterans at appreciation lunch

More than four dozen veterans joined the students for the lunch on Friday.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Students spend most of their time in the classroom learning from teachers. But on Friday, students at Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering got the chance to learn from local veterans.

More than four dozen veterans joined the students at a luncheon, and some students say it's an experience they'll never forget.

Ava Newman, a junior at the academy who is also a volunteer with the student-led Trailblazers Club, says the luncheon holds a special place in her heart because her brother and sister are veterans.

"It's super exciting to be here with everyone and to meet all these new people and all these veterans," she said. "I think it's a great opportunity for them to come out and speak to students like myself as well. It's just overall super exciting."

One of the veterans in attendance was Michael Willoughby, who served in the military for more than 35 years.

He says it's quite special to be an example for the future generation.

"It's just an honor to serve in this great country, to benefit from all the things that America has provided for us,” Willoughby said. 

Melody Basta, who teaches special education at the academy, says being able to honor veterans means a lot to her.

"We wanted to do something that not only helped the students, but helped the community also, and this is a great way to honor people in the community and people who deserve it,” she said.

Basta said the event was special because the students could build bonds with those who served.

"It means a great deal to these kids because they've each written a letter of thanks to their particular veteran, and they've made it very personal to each of their veterans, thanking them for the freedoms that they have today based on everything that they've done in the past as members of the military,” Basta said.

Local businesses also donated meals and food to the veterans.

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