Hauppauge High School Honors 9/11 Heroes With Special Ceremony

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Hauppauge High School students gathered in the auditorium on Monday to commemorate 9/11, the school district announced.

The day began with morning announcements, detailing the history of Sept. 11, 2001. Students then gathered in the auditorium along with administrators, staff and local police officers, unfurling a giant American flag before taking their places around it.

While holding the flag with reverence, the students stood for a moment of silence in memory of the first plane that crashed into 1 World Trade Center’s North Tower. At 9:03 a.m., the students took another moment of silence for the South Tower plane crash that happened at exactly that time on Sept. 11, 2001.

Leanne Contino led the choir’s rendition of the national anthem while teacher Jeri Lynn Hughes later sang, "God Bless America."

Circling around the flag, another group of students held a yellow ribbon, symbolizing unity. Assistant Principal Joy Ferrara reminded students that they may not know the person standing next to them, but they are all a part of the same school community. She noted the importance of focusing on their similarities rather than differences.

"The unification illustrated by the Hauppauge High School community mirrored the unwavering, collective spirit of a nation as they remembered and honored the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001," the district stated.