WILMINGTON — St. Mark’s High School will be hosting Veterans Day celebrations Nov. 11, all open to the public.

The day will begin with the annual breakfast from 7:30-9, where veterans and active military members and their families will be offered a free, family-style meal.

Donations are welcome to support the Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan Fund, named after a 1996 St. Mark’s graduate who was killed in Iraq in 2005 while serving in the Army. The fund provides tuition assistance for the children of active-duty military and veterans attending the school.

“My dad was a Marine, and I really respect that,” said a McGowan Fund recipient from the class of 2024. “It’s important to support veterans to show them that we love them and care about them.”

At 10 a.m. Nov. 11, St. Mark’s will host the Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan 20K Challenge. This trek will be held on the school track and raise money for the fund. School president and Army veteran Tom Fertal will signal the start of the event and participate by carrying a 20-pound pack for 20 kilometers or 50 laps around the track (12.4 miles).

“We welcome all veterans to join us, as we seek to instill in our students a sincere spirit of appreciation for all who have served and who continue to do so,” said Mr. Fertal. “At St. Mark’s, we hold duty, honor and country as being fundamental values for responsible citizenship. We also welcome participation in the Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan 20K Challenge, as we seek support for the families of veterans who seek a St. Mark’s education.”

Individuals and teams of two or more are welcome to take part in the challenge. There is no fee, but all participants are asked to raise a minimum of $200. Donation pages will be created upon registration. Individuals are encouraged to carry a 20-pound pack, but that is not required. Teams are expected to have at least one pack to be shared between the members. Groups may complete laps en masse, in a relay fashion or in a combination of both.

The event will conclude at 2 p.m., regardless of laps completed by participants. It is important to note that this is not a race but a challenge. There are no awards except to create opportunities for the children of veterans. A timing clock will be on display for pacing purposes.

Food will be available. Veterans and active military who would like to support participants are welcome to do so. Students and faculty will also be in attendance to support. To register, visit here.

Questions can be directed to Mo Tyree, director of strategic communication, at mtyree@stmarkshs.net.