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Staten Island Academy Commemorates September 11 with a Special “We Remember” Ceremony

September 10, 2004 - Friday, September 10, 2004 was a day of remembrance, unity and hope at Staten Island Academy. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 were especially hard on students nationwide, and the Academy gave much thought to finding a dignified and age-appropriate way to commemorate the day.

During its third annual “We Remember” commemoration ceremony, Academy students and faculty assemblee around the American flag in silent homage, as a symbol of the many forming one, a united community in support of our nation.

The day’s events were be simple and poignant. As 10:00 am approached, students in Grades 1-12, along with faculty and staff, gathered at various locations throughout campus to await the sounding of a bell by Academy faculty member Yvette Wheatley. As the bell rang, the students walked silently to the school’s Cloisters Patio where they stood in concentric circles around the American flag.

Lower School students formed the innermost circle and were followed by Middle School students. The outer perimeter was composed of Upper School students. Younger students led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark Weissman, music teacher, conducted the singing of “America the Beautiful.” Faculty members Angela Carstensen and Valerie Richards sang “God Bless America.”

Head of School Diane J. Hulse briefly addressed the community and asked everyone to join hands in silent remembrance before the group proceeded toward the Overlook fence where seniors distributed red, white and blue ribbons to fellow students and teachers. The ribbons were tied to the fence as symbols of remembrance and commitment to unity and hope.

Hulse said of the event, “It is important that we remember the events of September 11th as a school community. We draw on our communal strength to pay tribute to those that were lost and to go forward

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Press Contact: Maureen McShane, Director of Communications at (718) 987-8100, ext. 805, mmcshane@statenislandacademy.org.