St. Mary Parish Sixth Graders Grateful for American History Lesson

Photo: Sixth graders at St. Mary Parish School, Menomonee Falls, wearing red bandanas and displaying letters they wrote to the parents of Welles Crowther (the man in the red bandanna), a hero who lost his life helping others on 9-11.

MENOMONEE FALLS -- Sixth grade students at St. Mary Parish school got quite the history lesson this week as they corresponded with the family of Welles Crowther, a man who lost his life in the Sept. 11 attacks after being credited with saving the lives of 18 people.

The class was grateful to receive a message back from Alison Crowther, Welles’ mother. She thanked them for sending their letters. She wrote, “I have read them all and we are deeply touched. It means the world to us that Welles’ example impacts young people in many good and positive ways.”

After Sept. 11, 2001 survivors published stories about the man wearing the red handkerchief that had saved their life. Crowther carried a red bandana from the time he was just six years old, wearing it under his lacrosse helmet and carrying it in his pocket wherever he went.

Deanna Budney teaches social studies and religion at St. Mary Parish School and knew while Sept. 11 can be difficult to talk about with children, its lessons are many “Maybe the most important lesson of that day is of hope and our ability to triumph over tragedy,” said Budney.

“It’s also a great way to look at and show appreciation for our modern day heroes. Crowley’s story is one of selflessness, bravery and heroism. In return, the students learned about how their words and actions can have a positive reaction… it has a ripple effect.” said Budney. “They were deeply interested in Crowther’s story and their appreciation for what he did shows in the words from their letters.”

“Every day before school my mom tells me to do my best and let God do the rest.” Matthew Lauer wrote in his letter to Crowther’s parents. “That day your son did his best. Most heroes wear a cape, but Welles wore his red bandana.”

“He was an amazing person,” Josie Pliszka wrote in her letter. “We should all be more like Welles, thinking of others before ourselves. Whenever I see a red bandana I will think of a true hero, Welles, Crowther.”

“Welles is a true hero because he cared for other people in need when they needed it most. It must be comforting knowing your son is a hero and that people thank God for his heroism daily, wrote another student, JJ Eagleeye. “Ever since I heard your story I asked my mom for a bandana. Every time see it I will think of Welles.”

For more information about this story please go to Boston College website St. Mary Parish School, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a fully accredited Catholic school for three-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. Fostering a positive sense of self within our students, St. Mary’s dedicated and highly qualified staff is committed to providing an environment that promotes self-esteem, leadership and respect for others. We engage students in the learning process and encourage them to develop to their fullest potential spiritually, morally, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

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