Dressed in patriotic colors, Waverly Park Elementary School students and staff honored and remembered the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 by partaking in patriotic activities and lessons and shining a light on unity and kindness on Sept. 7. Principal Allison Banhazl began the day with a special morning announcement which spotlighted Patriot Day, a day of remembrance, and recognized those who continue to serve to keep the nation safe each day.
“We come together today as a community to strengthen and show our commitment to the American spirit,” said Banhazl.
The school recited the Pledge of Allegiance which followed by a moment of silence to honor and remember the heroes lost. Students and staff then assembled in the hallway to form a human chain and sing “God Bless the USA,” a proud tradition at Waverly Park, which symbolizes unity and standing together. Throughout the day, classes visited the school lobby to help fill the school’s glass twin towers. Students were encouraged to drop a dime and a penny into the towers to commemorate the 9-11 date in history and make a wish for the world.
“I ask that you think about what you can do to make this world a better place,” Banhazl told students. “What small act of kindness can you contribute to our goal of having a world that is filled with peace, respect and tolerance for all? By treating others the way we want to be treated, you can make your mark on the world.”
In the classroom, students wrote on slips of red, white and blue paper their words of kindness. The slips of paper were later assembled together by the school’s student council to form an American flag, dedicated to America’s heroes.