Eastport-South Manor remembers 9/11 and honors heroes

Eastport-South Manor Central School District commemorated 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001, through a districtwide Patriots’ Day initiative centered on the theme “Unexpected Heroes.” Across all grade levels, students and staff participated in age-appropriate activities designed to honor the lives lost and those impacted by 9/11 while highlighting the courage, compassion, service and unity demonstrated by heroes in their communities.

At South Street and Tuttle Avenue schools, students in grades K–2 focused on “four-legged heroes” through a supply drive benefitting Paws of War, a nonprofit that rescues and trains service dogs for veterans and first responders. The initiative gave younger students an opportunity to learn about the important role service animals and community organizations play in supporting veterans and first responders.

Students at Dayton Avenue and Eastport elementary schools wrote thank-you letters expressing gratitude to local firefighters and EMS workers serving the Manorville and Eastport volunteer fire departments. Both buildings also featured interactive thought boards asking students, “How can we be unexpected heroes?” Students shared ideas about kindness, leadership and service, creating a collective reflection on what it means to make a difference in their communities. Additionally, Eastport Elementary families and staff had the opportunity to purchase flags to display in front of the school, with proceeds benefitting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

At Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School, students participated in a series of activities focused on remembrance, heroism and service. Students in grades 9–12 attended an assembly featuring guest speaker Rob Weisberg, who shared personal accounts related to 9/11 and heroism. The presentation was also livestreamed into classrooms for seventh and eighth graders.

In the afternoon, Junior-Senior High School students and staff participated in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Challenge, honoring the first responders who climbed the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers in an effort to save others on September 11, 2001.

Through these activities, Eastport-South Manor sought to ensure that students not only understood the history of Sept. 11, but also recognized the selflessness, unity and hope demonstrated by heroes of all kinds.

 

Photo captions:

1 – Eastport Elementary School families purchased flags to be displayed in front of the school, with proceeds benefitting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

2 – Dayton Avenue students wrote on Post-It notes how they can be heroes in their own school communities.

3 – South Street School students wore red, white and blue as a symbol of remembrance and patriotism.

4 – Tuttle Avenue School students donated pet supplies to Paws of War.

5 – Junior-Senior High School students took part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Challenge at the stadium field.

 

Photos courtesy of the Eastport-South Manor Central School District