campuses honor Patriots' Day 2011, 10 years of remembrance

Campuses across the district came together to pay homage to Patriots' Day 2011. After 10 years, the events of September 11, 2001 are not forgotten.

Scroll the list or jump to the following campuses: Academy of Creative Education, International school of the Americas, Johnson, MacArthur, Lee, and Lopez.

ACE pays homage to 9/11 through community service

The Academy of Creative Education (ACE) paid homage to 9/11 and supported Habitat For Humanity by helping build homes for families in need on Friday, Sept. 9. All available ACE students, faculty, staff and community members--sporting red, white and blue school spirit shirts--joined forces to work on this project.

This event is ACE's way to celebrate the National Day of Service and Remembrance (NDSR), which was begun by family members of those who lost their lives on 9/11. It was developed as a way to honor their memory and pay tribute to their sacrifice through acts of service. NDSR is celebrated annually on 9/11, but since it falls on a Sunday this year, the school decided to hold their service day on Friday.

Additionally, ACE wanted to offer an opportunity for students and staff to participate in a service project as an entire campus at one time. Their hope with this event is to add to their already strong sense of community among their students and staff, while extending a hand to those who need it.

ISA commemorates 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

Date: Sept. 14

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. film, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Webinar

Location: ISA, Sergiovanni Room (Room 213), 1400 Jackson-Keller

The International School of the Americas (ISA) will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the start of the war in Afghanistan by participating in a worldwide viewing and discussion of "Beyond Belief," a documentary film that tells the story of Susan Retik and Patti Quigley. Widowed on 9/11, these two women demonstrate the power of global understanding as they travel to Afghanistan and discover an unlikely kinship with widows halfway around the world.

The film will be shown in the Sergiovanni Room at ISA during both 5th and 6th lunch on Wednesday, Sept. 14. All Lee, NESA, STEM, and ISA students are invited to attend, as well as parents. The film will be followed by a special one-hour webinar at 4 p.m. for teachers and high school students with the filmmaker Beth Murphy. This event is sponsored by the ISA Model United Nations and PeaceJam clubs.

For more information, contact Tralia Howard at thowar5@neisd.net.

 

Johnson JROTC remembers Patriots' Day

Johnson High School recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11 by remembering those who were injured or killed during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States through their 4th annual Patriots' Day ceremony on Friday, Sept. 9 from 8 – 8:30 a.m. by the school's flag pole.

The ceremony was dedicated to the Armed Forces and First Responders.

More than 300 spectators, including armed forces members, veteran’s organizations, first responders, students, community members, faculty and staff attended the ceremony. Also, Command Sergeant Major Arthur Vanwyngarden, 5th ROTC Brigade, United States Army Cadet Command, attended the ceremony. Close to 100 Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets were involved, and select cadets emceed the ceremony.

Select JROTC cadet leaders spoke on why Patriots' Day is recognized and the meaning of flying the flags at half-staff and a history of "Taps." Also, appropriate remarks will be made by a 'first responder' and LTC Alan W. Maitland, Senior Army Instructor. In addition to the speakers, several appropriate songs and sound clips were played. Additionally, two sound clips, one of former President George W. Bush speaking after the terrorist attacks and a second of a young girl talking about the day were played. The ceremony concluded with a student bugler from the Johnson Band playing "Taps."

Johnson JROTC cadets assembled in a formation at the school flag pole just before the ceremony began. Assisted by four JROTC cadets, active-duty army, air force, navy, and marine members, and first responders, each wearing dress uniforms, raised the United States, Texas and POW*MIA flags.

All attendees were given a yellow ribbon to wear in remembrance.

 

Mac never forgets

MacArthur High School's Student Council recognized, showing great appreciation, for the NEISD police and a Fireman, Thomas Steubben (a MacArthur 2006 grad and member of the Canyon Fire and EMS). They also visited the local fire station to honor them. All members received a a basket of cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and more to say 'thank you' for their service to the community especially in light of the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

Student Council also handed out red, white, and blue ribbons and yellow "We Remember 9/11" ribbons at the pep rally as people entered.

 

Lee conducts memorial service for 9/11 attacks

Lee High School JROTC commemorated 9/11 ten years to the day of the tragic event that changed our country forever. To honor those many people who were attacked and killed on that fateful day, 31 United States Flags were displayed by Lee Cadets in front of the school for 31 minutes. The number 31 was determined by adding the numbers of 9+11+11.

"The ten year anniversary was such an important event our cadets wanted to make sure and hold it on the actual date 0f 9/11," said Lt. Colonel William Hendon, Lee army instructor.

Some cadets were in civilian attire in memory of the many civilians that lost their lives that day.

Earlier in the day our Battalion Commander along with a Varsity Color Guard helped The First Baptist Church of Castle Hills pay tribute to the first responders of 9/11.

"Sunday, September 11, 2011 was a day of reflection and service for the Robert E. Lee Corps of Cadets," said Hendon. "All were glad to serve in one way or another on this most sacred day."

 

Lopez honors Patriots' Day

Lopez Middle School spent the entire day Friday, Sept. 9 honoring Patriots' Day, remembering the anniversary of 9/11. Lopez faculty and students wore red, white and blue attire, filling the halls with patriotic colors. The entire school started the day out by singing "God Bless America." Principal Dr. Barry Lanford delivered an inspirational message about 9/11 and Patriots' Day, which was followed by a moment of silence in honor of those who died on that tragic day.

In addition, the history department for all three grade levels set aside time to teach all students the history of 9/11 so that they would honor the day with a greater foundation of knowledge.

In the days preceding the event, Lopez PALS delivered patriotic morning announcements to fuel interest for the ceremony day.

 

Posted on September 2, 2011, updated September 14, 2011