Grade 8 students at Marlboro Middle School recently gathered to remember and honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to hear firsthand accounts from members of their community who experienced that day.
The remembrance assembly began with a performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by members of the MMS Select Chorus, followed by a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives.
Students then heard from a panel of speakers who each offered a personal perspective on September 11 and its lasting impact: Officer Curt Fulton, Marlboro PD & DARE Officer/SRO; Scott Corcoran, Marlboro Town Supervisor; Michael Rydell, Superintendent; Alicia Gannello, MMS Principal; and Christie DeNatale, MMS Teaching Assistant and 9/11 survivor.
The speakers shared memories of a day that began like any other but quickly became one that would change their lives and the lives of millions of others. Their experiences ranged from hearing a low-flying plane make its way down the Hudson River to being in Lower Manhattan as the attacks unfolded.
Ms. DeNatale shared her firsthand experience as someone who was physically inside the World Trade Center when the first tower was struck. She and her husband, who was her boyfriend at the time, had taken the NJ PATH train into Manhattan that morning. Their train was the last to arrive at the World Trade Center.
After emerging from the station, they noticed a burnt smell and heard police and others urging people to evacuate. Once outside, they could see the damage to Tower 1 and were told that a plane had struck the building. Moments later, they heard another plane and witnessed the second tower being struck. She described the fear and confusion that followed as people ran from the area and the city went into lockdown.
Ms. DeNatale also spoke about the acts of kindness she witnessed throughout the day and in the days that followed. As people struggled to find a way home, strangers helped strangers by offering rides, food, shelter, and comfort. She reminded students that even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, people came together to help one another.
The panel reflected on how September 11 changed their families, friends, students, communities, and country. They discussed what it means to remember an event that many of today's students know only through history, emphasizing that the world they experienced before September 11 was different from the one that followed.
The speakers also shared a lasting lesson from that day: life can change in an instant. They encouraged students to appreciate the time they have, find joy in their lives, and recognize the importance of helping and supporting one another.
The assembly was organized by MMS teacher James Ventriglia, who brought together the speakers to provide students with an opportunity to learn about September 11 through the personal experiences of people in their own community.
Marlboro Middle School thanks Officer Fulton, Supervisor Corcoran, Superintendent Rydell, Principal Gannello, and Ms. DeNatale for taking the time to share their stories and reflections with students. Their willingness to speak about such an important and difficult moment in history provided students with a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and remember.