Students and staff commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11 with flower-planting

The entire Mount Vernon City School District came together to remember the victims of 9/11 today, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks. The school district received funding through the 9/11 Day AmeriCorps grant, using it to plant flowers and beautify the flag poles at all buildings. 

Video slideshow of the flower-planting and remembrance ceremonies:

The project was inspired by a photo from 9/11, where a firefighter raised an American flag out of the ash, showing resilience and unity. Flowers were planted by volunteers and students, who discussed the significance of 9/11 as they planted. 

“Students reflected on the significance of 9/11 and learned about plant care before getting their hands in the dirt,” said Lincoln Principal Kristin Cipriano. “A special thank you to our student volunteers who have offered to water the plants during recess.” 

At schools throughout the district, students had lessons about 9/11, learning about the victims and why it is so important to remember them and the bravery of the first responders and citizens. 

“I learned about the man in the red bandana,” said Jesslyna Hernandez, a sixth-grade student at Grimes School. “He did a good deed for everybody, but the story itself is sad. I think it’s important to remember because thousands of lives were lost.”

On the day of 9/11, all schools and the district office took time to reflect on 9/11 with remembrance ceremonies and lessons about 9/11. At Grimes, students came out to plant their flowers in the morning, performing their act of service shortly after the time of the attacks. 

“I feel like it’s really sad because the planes crashed into the towers and people were at work and didn’t know what was going on,” said Grimes sixth-grade student Abdourahamane Kaba. “It’s important to remember because we don’t know what they could have done with their lives, and they had families at home waiting for them.” 

Students mixed multiple subjects through this project by reading, writing and planting in remembrance of 9/11. 

“Students in fifth grade merged Social Studies, ELA, and Science together by gardening,” said Dennis Richmond, teacher at Graham. “Here at Graham School, students were extremely excited to be learning outside of the classroom. They made sure that every plant was placed in the ground in a special new home. Not only did students watch an emotional video about September 11, 2001, they wrote moving pieces of writing, and they worked on posters.”

At the district office, Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland joined in on the planting on Thursday, before bringing the entire office together outside the flagpole for reflections and remembrance on Friday morning. Sheila Solomon, data processing supervisor for the district, led the volunteer efforts and expressed the importance of uniting ahead of the day. Over 100 volunteers throughout the school district supported the flower-planting. 

“Together, our students, staff, families, and community members can truly make a difference as we remember, honor and serve together to make a brighter tomorrow,” said Ms. Solomon.