Lakewood Ranch High commemorates 9/11 25 years later

Olivia Holden – Mustangs Ahead Senior Editor

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- “As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, let us honor the memory of all those who were lost, recognize the courage of those who responded, and remember the resilience and unity that emerged from the fact of the tragedy” - LRHS Principal Mike Mullen.

Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) honored the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, by holding a schoolwide assembly during second period Friday in the LRHS courtyard.

Mullen opened the assembly with a tribute speech, recounting the events of the tragic day and honoring the fallen heroes and victims.

Mullen stated, “I think it's important that for those of us who were around during it to reflect on it and remind ourselves how important our freedoms and each other are.

“For the young people who weren’t around during this time, I encourage you to never forget the sacrifices that were made for you. Reflect and learn from this day and the sacrifices that were made and hope something like this never happens again.”

Click to hear more from LRHS Principal Mike Mullen

After the speech a moment of silence was conducted to honor all fallen from this day.

This day holds a special meaning for many LRHS staff members, including LRHS English teacher Stephanie Kobetitsch.

Kobetitsch’s husband was a police officer just outside of New York City during 9/11. When looking back, Kobetitsch still gets emotional remembering everything that happened.

“This is still an emotional day, especially 25 years later. The only good thing I remember coming out of everything was how unified our country is. Seeing the state our country is in now makes me reminisce and miss the level of patriotism our country was in at the time,” Kobetitsch said.

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LRHS guardian Timothy Liffey also was in New York at the time of the tragedy working as a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer. Liffey expressed how grateful he is that America and schools around the country still recognize this day in such a large way.

“25 years later it’s great seeing everyone here at the school remembering what we went through,” Liffey stated.

Following the moment of silence, there was a presentation of the flags by the LRHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) color guard.

New LRHS JROTC Senior Army Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Lori Renwick said, “I am honored to be here today and appreciative of all the service members and first responders who gave their lives today as well as all those who responded across our nation for support.”

To conclude the assembly, the LRHS Band, led by band director Dr. John Wilkerson, presented the National Anthem.

LRHS Safety Guardian Joe Epolito was an NYPD officer during 9/11/2001. This makes this day especially tender for him because the fallen heroes from this day were his fellow officers and first responders.

Epolito said, “I would like students to remember that so many brave Americans got killed because people did not like the freedoms that we have.

“It is a day to remember because as time goes on, people have a tendency to forget things, and the sacrifices made for us and our freedom on this day is something we should never forget,” Epolito concluded.

Photos - Olivia Holden