Central Islip Schools Mark 25th Anniversary Of 9/11 With Tributes

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Students and staff across the Central Islip School District marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with ceremonies and activities honoring those who died and reflecting on themes of service, unity and kindness.

At Cordello Elementary School, third- through sixth-grade students attended the school's annual Patriot Day assembly to remember those who lost their lives and others impacted by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

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The assembly was organized by Principal Dr. Nathaniel Marner and Assistant Principal Yvette Rivera. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee also attended and shared remarks with students.

Band teacher Patrick Hait performed the national anthem on trumpet, while chorus teacher Alexa Lollar performed "God Bless the USA."

Students stood with their classmates during the ceremony as the school honored those who lost their lives as well as the men and women who serve the United States.

At O'Neill Elementary School, students commemorated the anniversary through a "Tree of Remembrance" displayed near the school's main entrance as part of the schoolwide "Rooted in Kindness" theme.

The project was designed to honor those who died while encouraging students to reflect on kindness, unity, service and helping others, according to the district.

Each class contributed leaves to the tree, creating a visual representation of how acts of kindness can strengthen the community. The project was inspired by Sean Rubin's book, "This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience and Regrowth."

Central Islip High School also held a remembrance ahead of its first football game of the season. The Central Islip and Bay Shore fire departments joined both communities for a pregame ceremony marking the 25th anniversary.

The ceremony included a remembrance reading and a moment of silence honoring those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.