Bronxville School Community Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11

On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, students and staff across the Bronxville School paused to reflect and honor the memories of those who lost their lives, as well as the heroes who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Twenty-five years later, the morning of September 11, 2001, remains etched in our collective memory – a day that changed our nation forever and continues to remind us of the enduring power of courage, sacrifice, and unity,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rachel Kelly said.

Bronxville High School students gathered on the school’s front lawn for a somber ceremony, featuring remarks from Dr. Kelly, social studies teacher Chris Doyle, Student Faculty Legislature President and senior Elizabeth Barnes, and Battalion Chief Eugene Carty, who was a first responder on 9/11. Honorary guests included Mayor Mary Marvin, Chief of Police Christopher Satriale, Fire Chief Brian Tween, and other village dignitaries.

In her remarks, Dr. Kelly remembered the people who were killed and the families who lost their parents, children, spouses, siblings and friends. She also recognized the extraordinary courage of the first responders, as well as the ordinary citizens who demonstrated compassion in moments of unimaginable uncertainty.

“In the days and weeks following September 11, people across our country witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness,” Dr. Kelly said. “Strangers helped strangers. Communities came together. People searched for ways to serve, comfort and make a difference. As students and as future leaders, you have the opportunity to carry those values forward. We cannot change the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but we can choose how we respond to one another today.”

Doyle reflected on where he was when the attacks happened and shared how he searched for a friend who was never found. He spoke about the importance of passing on the history of 9/11 to students who have no memory of the events at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

“We tell these stories for our students – from the seniors, the Class of 2027, to our kindergartners, the class of 2040 – so that when those of us who remember are no longer here, will know that the stories of those lost will not be forgotten,” Doyle said.

At the middle school, Principal Joe Mercora and Assistant Principal Connor Mitchell led an assembly centered on “The Tale of the Red Bandanna,” honoring local hero Welles Remy Crowther. On September 11, 2001, Welles used his training, courage and selflessness to guide, carry and save over a dozen people to safety, wearing a red bandana over his nose and mouth.

The assembly aligned with the school’s themes of empathy, courage, and random acts of kindness. The students received a red bandana and were encouraged to participate in the “Bronxville Red Bandana Project," writing tangible ways they would demonstrate empathy, courage, and responsibility toward others.

“Their task was to give the bandana to a family member and share the story and lasting meaning of Welles Crowther – reminding us all of the profound impact one person's kindness and courage can have,” Mercora said. “We can honor those we remember by being good friends, helping someone who needs us, and doing our part to make our school and community a caring place.”

In the elementary school, Principal Adrienne Laitman and Assistant Principal Dr. Michelle Tween wove developmentally appropriate comments about heroes and helpers into their morning announcements. They remembered all the people who lost their lives, and expressed gratitude for the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, teachers, and everyday people who showed courage and helped others.

“As we remember, let's think about the importance of kindness, helping one another, and treating every person with respect,” Dr. Tween said.