Students Commemorate 9/11 Tragedies

As we near the fifteenth anniversary of the September eleventh tragedy, young students valley wide commemorate those affected.

Many elementary and middle school students  were not even born then or can vaguely remember the day, but 15 years ago, on this day, lives changed forever.

They danced, cheered and had an overall good time, but above all they remembered. The students at Athlos Leadership Academy held a special ceremony to honor victims of September 11th 2001 and current active duty members.

Yolanda Cantu, Athlos Leadership Academy Principal, says, “This goes with what we instill in our students. That’s our third pillar and they know. We want them to know what it’s all about.”

Of the many topics, current members from the police force and firefighters came out to speak courage.

Not just to remember the past, but to become the leaders of the future.

“There’s bad thing that happen. But know it’s a challenge for us to help the community,” says Art Teacher Frida Arellano.

This year’s 9/11 commemoration was in the form a poster. The towers were made of the names of those that lost their lives. Birds on this art piece symbolize those who jumped off the building.

2996, that the number of names contributed to this art piece by students faculty staff and even some of the distinguished guest.

Arellano states, “Students connected to them [they would comment] ‘oh that’s my dad’s name, that’s like my name Ms. Frida.’”

Most students may not have clear memories of what happened that day, but their respect transcends into future generations.

These students had a chance to meet with local members of the armed forces to discuss the importance of serving the community.