On the morning of September 11, East End students, teachers, and parents gathered on the front lawn to remember the events of 9/11. Guidance counselor Nicole DiVenuta welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of this ceremony. Fourth grade students Kyle Irving, Helena deBang, Jason Sparrow, and Kathiana Saldarriaga-Hernandez spoke about the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001. These students continued to discuss how special our country is, the freedoms we have as American citizens, and why we should be proud to be American. In addition, they stated the importance of remembering our country’s heroes who protect American citizens each day.
Principal John Ferguson spoke about and led the students and staff in a moment of silence to reflect and honor the first responders and those who lost their lives on 9/11.
On display was an actual piece of one of the Twin Towers. A portion of a supporting I-beam was given to East End to display from the New Jersey State Museum, thanks to Mrs. Kathy Porter. Students were informed that this fragment was from the “impact zone” of one of the two towers. It will remain here so that each student will have the opportunity to view an actual artifact from history.
Music teacher Melanie Miller led the students and staff in singing My Country Tis of Thee and You’re a Grand Old Flag to conclude the ceremony.
(above l-r): Kathiana Saldarriaga-Hernandez, Kyle Irving, Jason Sparrow, Helena deBang.
