Chester Jr/Sr High Students Learn About 9/11 Through Numbers and Reflection
In a poignant tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, students in Chester Jr/Sr High's history classes were given a unique opportunity to walk through history by exploring “9/11 by the Numbers.”
This exercise, organized by CJSHS history teacher Mr. Ty Watkins, involved students reflecting on 50 key facts about the tragic day. One notable fact that stood out was the safety of 42 children who were rescued from a daycare in one of the World Trade Center buildings, despite early reports suggesting they had perished.
Students walked through a field of 2,979 flags, one for each life lost in the attacks, and used notebooks to record 5-8 facts that they found particularly impactful or surprising. Afterward, they gathered back in the classroom for a discussion and watched a brief, emotional clip of voicemails left by passengers and Twin Towers citizens to their loved ones.
The day also included a review of the events surrounding the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. For many students, this was their first opportunity to openly discuss and reflect on these events, which occurred before they were born.
The morning began with a heartfelt ceremony that included the local fire department raising the flag, joined by the sheriff’s department and Blue Star Moms, as well as other community members, all coming together to honor those lost.
