West Patent Elementary Students Take Part in a Day of Service

On a warm, sunny September morning not so different from that fateful morning eighteen years ago, students at West Patent Elementary School took part in a hands-on Day of Service in honor of 9/11.

“We’re weeding all the gardens, planting flowers, and harvesting vegetables from the springtime,” explained gym teacher Ryan Tranchida.

For a few minutes during specials, students took to the lush gardens all around the school, pulling on gloves and carrying big plastic tubs to hold weeds. They laughed excitedly as they removed the dried-up tops of flowers, weeds, and dirt-covered carrots.

“I like flowers,” said third grader Lilly Kabia, a clump of weeds in her hand. “Once all the dead ones are gone, it will make the garden so bright and pretty.”

A real spirit of teamwork and togetherness was in the air as students joined to make their school a better place — a fine way to honor a day our community will not forget.