It goes without saying that what occurred on 9/11 did not exist in the memory of many students we encounter each day. Why would something students today cannot recall even matter, be worth rehashing, revisiting, or trying to learn? I hear this question countless times from students themselves, and easy to write off events and stories that are not appearing in front of them now.

I also see countless students that do not have the same upbringing as we experienced say even 20 years ago – but even more important, how often do we experience, literally EXPERIENCES where individuals sacrifice their time, their freedoms, as well as their opportunities for others? Today, despite being numbed/unknown to many of these experiences that have never occurred in their lives, (thank goodness),it is difficult for many to conceive that such horrors could exist outside of social media.

Some of the best examples of honoring the gifts that many have lost their lives for, mainly the gift of freedom, is passing the torch of serving others in honor of what we hope for each other – freedom in many scenarios. I would be remiss to point out on a local level how many individuals stepped up to just enable one day to occur. Take a look how powerful it is when individuals step up and sacrifice their time for others today:

Dr. Chisenhall and Ms. Ruse dipping into surplus inventory for finish line supplies for today’s 5k

Ms. Sharp as administrator letting students know “You are important!” and jumping into the ceremony to help all operate smoothly – lifesaver!

Students jumping into helping projects for the WHS graduating seniors.

WHS maintenance in and out of the school for weeks to perfect grounds conducive to all visiting schools and athletic areas. Especially Mr. Hilbert Smith and Landen Lucke who came in the clutxh for helping us – as they alway do!

Faculty willing to add even more time to their overarching schedule day to be a spokesperson for graduating seniors (Ms.Shiley, McDonough, and Mr. Malloy).

Ms. Redmond as faithful an attendee of all things sports as you can imagine, with photography alongside Mike McClure from the Seaford Star – we are grateful for their constant support.

Coaches from completely different sports to stop in the middle of practices to assist others in preparation of their own senior night (Athletic Director Dooley, Coach Trotta, Coach Short) expert DJ connector and amp hook up artist. Also from Jaycie Kerricks’s quick thinking over what could have been a more complex situation with a runner’s health).

First Sergeant Nathan Sparks and Staff Sergeant Sash Ann Martin implementing an important memorial to those that dedicated their lives to our country, to the freedoms we have currently and for the memories that might not be in front of us, but that remain with us every day, whether we see it or not in front of us.

I thought all this as I saw the above mentioned individuals and acts with the selflessness of the needs of others despite their tasks at hand that they were engaged in. Selflessness, optimism, possibility, leadership, are all elements that ca be experienced and seen, and not necessarily having to dig into a historical event alone. Events like 9/11 and worse carry mighty weight in hearts of those that grew up among these events. Even moreso, is the need for creativity, possibility, and insight for those that did not have to experience such tragedy, but still need to find pockets of compassion to prevent such events from playing out.

9/11 is certain to remain forever in our hearts by all who experienced or witnessed this tragedy, but also can serve as a beacon forward to modify what sacrifice and loyalty can meet for everyone.