Across the Central High School District, middle and high school communities came together to remember September 11, 2001, honor the lives lost, and recognize the courage and service that followed. 

“Students and staff dressed in red, white, and blue, participated in moments of silence and silent hallway passing, and listened to many of the untold stories of September 11th - the stories of courage, compassion, sacrifice, and selfless service that emerged during and in the days and years that followed,” explained Michael Harrington. 

At Grand Avenue Middle School, a maple tree donated by Old Mill Road Nursery in Bellmore was planted on the grounds as a living memorial. 

“Each fall, its changing colors will serve as a lasting reminder of those we lost that day,” noted Principal Carlo Conte. 

Organized by Guidance Counselor Catrina Christensen and teachers Dennis Dagger, Jordan Kanner, and Emily Meritz, the Grand Avenue school community then gathered for a schoolwide photo in front of the building, made possible with the assistance of the Bellmore Fire Department. Grace Ham, a 2025 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and a probationary officer with the department, was lifted into the air in the fire department bucket to capture the wide-angle aerial photograph. 

At Mepham High School, students and staff collaborated on a remembrance wall organized by the Social Studies department. The school community is also preparing for its annual memorial Stair Climb and Flag Field of Honor installation, both benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which assists families of fallen first responders. 

At Merrick Avenue Middle School, Advisory discussions and activities focused on remembrance, heroism, and the lasting impact of 9/11. Led by Sarah Norton, FACS students learned about the four-legged heroes of 9/11 and made homemade dog treats for the Nassau County Police Department’s K-9 Unit. 

At Calhoun High School, members of the Student Government installed a Flag Field of Honor around the track, while Leadership students created a “Remember. Honor. Serve.” display on the football field. Senior Experience made red, white, and blue ribbons for the entire school to wear.   

These efforts were coordinated by Leadership teacher Brian Joyce, and Senior Experience teachers Liz Separ, Jay Elias, Nicole DeBonis and Tanya Cestaro and included moving guest presentation from building security guard Bill Luongo, who was serving with the Port Authority Police Department on 9/11.   

“While we may know Bill today as the friendly face of the Broadway doors of Calhoun, his story is one of service, courage, and an extraordinary commitment to protecting others; including the aftermath of the September 11th attacks,” Joyce said as he introduced Luongo.  

“When I look at you guys, I can see that’s in your future,” Luongo told students. “You are the leaders of tomorrow. You are going to make this world a better place.”   

After previously organizing a fundraiser that raised more than $4,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, participants walked 25 laps around the track in remembrance of the 25th anniversary.   

At Brookside, students and staff gathered for a moment of silence in front of the memorial girder made from steel retrieved from Ground Zero. 

At Kennedy High School, Social Studies students became historians, interviewing family and community members about their memories of September 11, 2001. Leadership I students also created a 9/11 Wall of Memories to preserve those stories for generations to come. 

“One of the best parts of this experience has been watching students stop to read the memories and share the information they gathered through their own research,” said Social Studies Chairperson Erin Leitzel. “So often, history can seem distant and unrelatable to students, so it was especially meaningful to see their reactions to the experiences of their own family and community members.”