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Three-photo collage from a school Veterans Day event. Left photo shows a large group of elementary students seated in an auditorium waving small American flags as a speaker in a patriotic shirt walks through the crowd toward a stage with blue curtains and a U.S. flag. Center photo shows two uniformed service members holding a large American flag during a presentation in front of students seated on the floor, with a Veterans Day assembly projected on a screen behind them. Right photo shows four people posing together in a school library, including an individual wearing a shirt that reads “United States Air Force Veteran.” The images highlight student participation, military recognition, and community engagement during the celebration.

VETERANS CELEBRATED BY PEORIA UNIFIED STUDENTS & STAFF

Peoria Unified School District

November 10, 2026

Students, staff, families and community members across the Peoria Unified School District celebrated veterans in the community during Veterans Day 2026 events held throughout the district. While students learned about these heroes in the classroom, special time was also dedicated to honoring the nation's servicemen and women through assemblies, breakfasts, performances and recognition ceremonies.

The Peoria Unified School District was proud to announce that Raymond S. Kellis High School in Glendale was designated as the district's newest Purple Star School. Designated by the Arizona Department of Education, Purple Star Schools support military-connected families as they transition to new schools and communities. To commemorate the achievement, students and staff at Raymond S. Kellis High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 10.

Throughout the week, schools across Peoria Unified hosted Veterans Day celebrations that welcomed veterans, families and community members to campus.

Country Meadows Elementary School hosted a breakfast for veterans followed by a school-wide assembly featuring the Cactus High School JROTC.

Desert Harbor Elementary School welcomed veterans with patriotic music performed by the Ironwood High School Band. Students led a Veterans Day parade, and the celebration concluded with breakfast in the multipurpose room.

Foothills Elementary School honored those who have served, both past and present. Students created a Wall of Fame recognizing military service, and veterans were recognized during a school-wide celebration.

Ira A. Murphy Elementary School held an assembly celebrating veterans followed by a reception with donuts and coffee.

Peoria Elementary School honored veterans with a light breakfast and school-wide assembly.

Raymond S. Kellis High School celebrated its Purple Star School designation with a ceremony in the courtyard. The school choir performed the National Anthem, and Principal Chris Contreras, a veteran, shared remarks about the significance of the designation.

Sky View Elementary School hosted a Veterans Day breakfast for members of the community who served in the armed forces.

Zuni Hills Elementary School recognized veterans during an assembly, and Student Council provided donuts and coffee for attendees.

While Veterans Day celebrations have taken place at schools across the district this week, the following events are still scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12.

Sun Valley Elementary School: 8361 N. 95th Ave., Peoria | 9:30 a.m.
Junior high students at Sun Valley will participate in an assembly honoring veterans in attendance.

Vistancia Elementary School: 30009 N. Sunrise Point, Peoria | 7:30 a.m.
Students and staff at Vistancia will participate in a school-wide assembly honoring veterans in the community.

Veterans wishing to attend either of these events should contact the school directly to RSVP.