Port Jefferson Students Honor Heroes and Those Lost on 9/11 With Moving Tributes

In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, students throughout the Port Jefferson School District honored those who lost their lives, as well as the courageous first responders.

“As our District contributes to the nationwide mission to ensure 9/11 is never forgotten, it is crucial that we teach this new generation of students, who were not alive in 2001, about the importance of this pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” Port Jefferson School District Superintendent Jessica Schmettan said.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School 11th- and 12th-grade students attended the Port Jefferson Fire Department’s memorial service, and seniors Nicholas Rodriguez and Ava Sexton performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Taps” at the service to pay tribute to the lives tragically lost and the bravery of the first responders. Nicholas, a trumpeter, and Ava, a violinist, were led by Dr. Michael Caravello, the Port Jefferson School District Director of Music and Fine Arts. The high school students then heard firsthand experiences from Brennan Holmes and Dave Loper.

“We commend Nicholas, Ava and Dr. Caravello for the beautiful performances that saluted our heroes and those we lost,” Ms. Schmettan said. “We also thank Mr. Holmes and Mr. Loper for taking the time to share their stories and ensure this tragedy is never forgotten.”

Edna Louise Spear Elementary School students created an impactful and patriotic hallway display recognizing those affected by 9/11 and the heroes who took action. In addition, a schoolwide initiative was held, “25 Years. 25 Acts of Kindness. One School Community.” Each class was tasked with completing an act of kindness or service, totaling 25 acts to symbolize 25 years since 9/11. Classes eagerly participated in this initiative, collecting items for an animal shelter, painting encouraging messages and images on rocks and sending them to a cancer patient and writing letters of appreciation for a fire department.