This article was written by Carley Chacho and Autumn Baldwin
The terrorist attack of September 11th left a big impact on many people’s hearts. The fear that came with this event forever changed the older generation. The high school finds ways to commemorate it every year. Whether it’s a couple of minutes of silence or a parade, the high school remembers those who were lost and affected by this historical event.
September 11th, 2001, two planes were hijacked by terrorists and driven into the towers at the World Trade Center in New York. After reports of a plane hitting the North Tower, many tuned into the news only to watch the South Tower be hit on live television. Thousands of people lost their lives that day, most of which were doing their jobs. Some were in the towers doing day-to-day things, some were firefighters climbing flights of stairs saving those in need. Most who were alive during the attack have vivid memories of where they were when they first heard about the attack and many see the impacts that this event had on not only them, but the country as a whole.
Mark Thrall has been teaching at the high school for 27 years. He was teaching here when the attack happened. He was told to turn the news on his classroom television. The screen that came on was completely unexpected.
“I looked at my students right away, and I said, ‘either a horrible accident happened, or we’re under attack,’” Thrall said.
Thrall has seen how the country was impacted as a whole, not only when it comes to safety and security but also the airport procedures that have significantly increased in restrictions.
“It took us five minutes to get on the plane. Now, if you take a trip, they can search you without a warrant,” Thrall said. “But that’s to keep us safe. There’s super long lines, it takes you a couple hours to get on a plane.”
Brian Bollone has been teaching at the high school for 25 years. He was also in his classroom as the attack happened. He was beyond shocked to see what was on the television screen. He paused his teaching to tune into the news.
“This is news. You gotta stop and watch,” Bollone said.
Bollone noticed the ways that the attack impacted our country, even some of his old classmates went out and fought in the approaching wars after that attack. Bollone, similar to Thrall, sees that airport security significantly increased in hopes that the attack would never occur again.
“I had a lot of classmates that ended up going and fighting in Afghanistan. Obviously, plane travel changed dramatically,” Bollone said. “Lights stopped. Security went up. Government spending went up for security.”
Bollone heard a repetitive country song on the radio called “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson.
“Some country song came out right after 9/11. That song was on the radio nonstop for the next year,” Bollone said.
Brent Dickerson who has been at the high school for 29 years. He sees the importance of hearing the past stories of staff and those who were alive during the attack so those who were not directly affected by it can gain a sense of understanding for those who fought and sacrificed for our country.
“I also think from a historical perspective, it’s good for folks like you guys (students) who weren’t there, who weren’t alive. To just hear those stories, to know the importance, to know what happens, and have a sense of history,” Dickerson said.
Dickerson noticed the importance of September 11th and had the high school participate in a parade to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attack. Motorcyclists, police cars, and other drivers drove through the high school parking lot while students watched and cheered. Dickerson remarked the importance of honoring those that were lost in the attack.
“Those are the people who go out there and they put their life out in the line for us, and I think schools and communities need to honor that and respect them, because they’re making a major sacrifice for us,” Dickerson said.
As the years pass on, the memories of September 11th, 2001, continue to live on. Through stories, songs, and even high school parades, students and staff can honor those who have lost their lives and recognize the importance of not forgetting those who fought and sacrificed for the safety of our country as well as those who lost their lives in the historic plane crash.
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