Bayport-Blue Point remembers 25 years later

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, schools throughout the Bayport-Blue Point School District held remembrances honoring the lives lost and helping students understand the significance of the day.

At James Wilson Young Middle School, students walked through a special Sept. 11 tribute curated by library media specialist Susan Henke-Brinkman. The exhibit guided students through a series of stations detailing the timeline and events of Sept. 11 and sharing the stories of individuals who lost their lives.

The display also featured artifacts connected to the day, including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, a firefighter’s helmet and a jacket, along with newspaper articles and news footage that documented the attacks and their aftermath. Students also watched a video in which several staff members shared their memories and personal experiences from that day. 

Academy Street, Sylvan Avenue and Blue Point elementary schools each gathered outdoors for remembrance ceremonies alongside members of Bayport and Blue Point’s local fire departments. Students waved American flags, watched as their school flags were raised and joined together in patriotic songs to honor those who were lost.

At Bayport-Blue Point High School, students had the opportunity to walk through an extensive collection of materials displayed in the auditorium lobby. Newspapers and magazines preserved coverage from September 2001, while a piece of glass and a stairwell sign recovered from the World Trade Center gave students a tangible connection to the history they have learned about in the classroom. Many of the items featured in the high school exhibit were donated by Social Studies Department Chairperson John Limperatos, the Ungaro family and retired teacher Sean Meade.

Outside the high school, 2,977 American flags covered the front lawn, each representing a life lost on Sept. 11, 2001. A 20-by-30-foot American flag was also displayed on the side of the building in remembrance of the thousands who have since died or continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses. Staff members also wore student-designed “Phantoms We Will Never Forget” shirts produced by the school store. 

Together, the remembrances across the district gave students of all ages an opportunity to reflect on Sept. 11 and ensure the stories of those who were lost continue to be remembered 25 years later.

Photo captions: 

1: Blue Point Elementary students sang patriot songs in honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 

2-3: Bayport-Blue Point High School students read newspaper articles published in September 2001, gaining insight into how the events of Sept. 11 were experienced and reported at the time. 

4-5: James Wilson Young Middle School students walked thorough a gallery of artifacts and informational stations, detailing the events of Sept. 11, 2001. 

Photos courtesy of Bayport-Blue Point School District