Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Tommie Barfield students, one dressed as the school’s manatee mascot, welcome visitors to the Veterans’ Day program.
The TBE gym was full for the Veterans’ Day program.
Ken Gudorf, a former Army captain, is interviewed by student Wesley Gomez.
Student Jane Skudnig interviews veteran John Curtis.
Music teacher Teressa White did a fine job leading her music students.
Ruby Sprigg, Savannah Stull and Skylar Canady perform.
Alexsander Chraca, with his mother, receives a certificate of achievement award for achieving a perfect score on the Grade Four FAST mathematics assessment.
New Principal Amanda Kubin.
Music teacher Teressa White has everyone singing.
Veterans salute.
Finn McGuire carrying the U.S. Flag.
Police Chief Tracy Frazzano thanks a veteran.
In an outstanding demonstration of patriotism, students and staff at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) honored Veterans in a packed school cafeteria on Friday, November 7. New TBE principal Amanda Kubin was even surprised at the quality of the program.
"I've seen so many different iterations of Veterans Day celebrations,” Kubin said. "I've worked at eight plus schools in the district, and everybody does it a little different. But I've never seen such a production and such an honor. So much time and respect and energy put into this production. It was just beautiful and so great for our students to learn the value of showing our respect to these veterans.”
The large group of veterans in the front rows of the audience were visibly moved by several of the patriotic songs performed by the students. Kubin is starting to settle into her first assignment as principal.
"This is my first year as a principal,” she said. "I have been an administrator in the district for ten years. Prior to this, I started as a third-grade teacher in 2003 with Collier County Public Schools."
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