Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Nov/Dec 2015 | Page 4

1,500 American flags wave at Sun Valley Middle to honor 9-11
Most of the students at Sun Valley Middle School
weren’t even born on Sept. 11, 2001.
There were 2,996 people who lost their lives during
the attacks when two planes were flown into the twin
towers of the World Trade Center, one plane hit the
Pentagon, and a fourth plane crashed in a field in
Pennsylvania.
In honor of the 14th anniversary of 9-11, the entire
student body at Sun Valley Middle School paid tribute
to not only those who died in the attack, but all those
who continue to serve and protect our country.
Hundreds of students placed 1,500 American flags
in front of their school as a memorial to those who
died in 9-11 and a tribute to the United States military,
law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and
firefighters.
“I really like them doing this today,” said Megan
Tezzi, 12, a seventh grader. “I think it’s meaningful,
and it honors everyone who served. If you have a
family member that was killed during it or just served,
you’ll know that people care and honor you.”
Sun Valley Middle Assistant Principal John Grexa
said the project was born when the school staff began
to think of what they could do in honor of 9-11.
“It gives these kids a sense of pride, because
their friends are involved, and it gives them a sense
of community because this is their school and their
community and everyone can see the flags,” he said.
Sun Valley Middle School pays tribute to not only those who died in 9-11, but all
The memorial service held a very special meaning to
those who continue to serve and protect America.
one staff member at Sun
Valley Middle.
In School Suspension
coordinator Vincent
Louis was a firefighter
with the New York City
Fire Department. He lost
several friends when the
towers collapsed.
“I’m happy that most
of the students we have
here weren’t even born
at that time,” Louis said.
“I think it will bring some
meaning to the kids. I also Sun Valley Middle students wait in line to place a
flag in front of their school.
think it’s a good time for
students to reflect on what
emergency services do for us – police, fire, paramedics - everybody that works to
make our school safe.”
Louis remembers the days that followed the terrorist attack. “We did our part
Sun Valley Middle’s In-School Suspension coordinator
to help as many people as we could,” he said. “You try to reflect on the good
Vincent Louis, a former New York City firefighter who
things that came as a result and there were many good things. The best came
served during 9-11, helps seventh grader Megan Tezzi,
out of the worst conditions. People really stepped up and did some wonderful
12, put an Ame ɥ