Repaying a debt: Admiral Peary students use their talents to show appreciation for local vets

Now in its third year, the event initially started as a way to attract more male clients to the school's salon so students could practice their clipper cutting skills, cosmetology instructor Nikki Weakland said, adding veterans could receive any nonchemical service for themselves and a guest for free as part of the event.

Last year, culinary instructor Mark Wyland joined Weakland's efforts and expanded the offerings for veterans to include a free meal provided by his students. Breakfast — consisting of eggs, home-fried potatoes, bacon, sausage and toast — was served Thursday morning to 25 veterans, according to Wendy Shroyer, a paraprofessional aide in the school's culinary department. Roast beef, a salad, mashed potatoes with gravy and homemade pies were served for lunch to more than

Shroyer's husband, Roy, was one of many veterans who reserved a spot to attend the event for breakfast, she said, adding that a 92-year-old Korean War veteran was also planning to attend.

"The kids like it because they're doing good things for the community. They're really excited to give back," Shroyer said.

Cosmetology students in the school's morning session, like seniors Olivia Polchito and Savannah Smithmyer, arrived for class prepared to provide nonchemical services for veterans — something both students said they looked forward to after feeling pride for participating in the event last year.

"After the service they've done, they deserve this," Polchito said, noting her grandfather is a veteran.

Smithmyer was scheduled to perform a women's cut on a veteran Thursday. Excited about the opportunity, she said, "It feels really good to help give them a service to help them feel good about themselves."

Richard Nikolishen, an Army veteran who served for 15 months between 1965-66, is a former technical school student who said he appreciates the opportunity to help Admiral Peary students gain valuable experience in their future careers.

Nikolishen said he received a free haircut from the event last year. He decided to be a returning customer this year because the students asked him about his military service, noting "it was a difficult time" adjusting to life after his service.

"They just make it a very personal experience as much as they possibly can," he said. "By providing that care, it gives them a good experience."

Nanty Glo resident John Kopsick said he was in the Vietnam War. Throughout his military career, he served 13 years in the Army and 13 years in the Navy before retiring from the Navy in 2002.

"It feels good to be recognized" by the students, Kopsick said.

"All the kids are really nice. Most of them want to know what we did and what happened," he said, noting the students are courteous and "do a good job."

Kopsick said his military service made him appreciate "a lot of things" about life.

"It made me respect people. It made me respect life," he said.

For Rose Corr, who served in the Navy from 1986-2006, life in the service was "very difficult," yet rewarding, because it taught her about discipline, self-control and how to conduct everyday life.

Corr said her previous marriage ended in part because of her military service and time away from home. She said she went into the Navy "to get a better life."

"It was extremely hard. I went through very hard times when I was on the ship," Corr said, adding her ex-husband was in jail at the time and her daughter had to live with her grandparents in Rhode Island while she was away.

On Thursday, Corr was enjoying breakfast with her husband, Timothy, whom she met in 2004. They were there in support of Corr's granddaughter, Layla Durbin, who was one of the culinary students preparing food in the school's kitchen area.

Durbin, a senior student, said she aspires to own her own bakery someday.

"It will take me a little bit to get there, but that's what I really want," Durbin said, adding she loves working in the kitchen and feels good about being able to give back to local veterans.

"Veterans are very important, and it's good to give back because they've been through so much," she said.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.