Jon White, who lost three limbs whilst serving in Afghanistan, will speak to prep pupils at tomorrow’s prize-giving (June 26).
Armed Forces Day will be marked at Taunton Prep School tomorrow with a visit from the inspirational and motivational speaker Jon White, a former Royal Marines officer.
As the country is called to show its support for serving troops, veterans and cadets on this special day, pupils will hear Jon’s story of how his career was tragically cut short – and the lessons this life-changing experience taught him.
He will talk to pupils about the importance of resilience in their daily lives, and how to build skills in leadership and motivation. Jon has donated his fee for his talk to the Royal Marines Charity which provides essential support to ex-serviceman like him.
Taunton School Headmaster, Lee Glaser, says: “It is a real honour for our school to have such a distinguished guest as Jon on this important day in the calendar.
“Jon’s courage and selfless devotion to his role during his time with the Royal Marines is exactly what Armed Forces Day is about. We salute these amazing people who protect us and make the world a safer place.”
And this year, the armed forces deserve an extra big thank you, Lee added. “They have played a critical part in the roll-out of measures to control the pandemic across the UK. We owe them a debt of gratitude for what they have done for us.”
Taunton School has very strong links with the Armed Forces. Military families have been part of the school for decades, enjoying significant financial support whilst proudly contributing to the school’s broad and diverse community.
“From day one in prep school through to Year 13 in senior, children from military families benefit greatly from the stability and the undisrupted education we offer here at Taunton, as well as our wraparound pastoral care,” said Lee.
“We try to create a real home-from-home.”
Currently, there are 69 children at Taunton prep and senior schools with parents in the forces. Both schools offer significant financial support for military families.
In Year 10 all students join the Combined Cadet Force and many train to become NCOs during their time in sixth-form. Students can choose between the Royal Navy, the Army or Royal Air Force.
The school also has a number of ex-military on its staff and is signed up to the Armed Forces covenant, demonstrating its commitment to those who protect the country with honour, courage and commitment.
A war memorial honouring those from the Taunton School community who made the ultimate sacrifice stands in the school’s grounds. It is lit by an amber light first thing every morning during term time and it is the last light to be turned off every night.