John West School PTA hosted a Úquot;Time of HonorÚquot; assembly Sept. 18 to recognize over 75 members of their school community who aided in the rescue efforts on Sept. 11. Honorees included members of the police and fire departments, federal agents, Port Authority and corrections officers, communications personnel, as well as West students and staff who coordinated fundraising drives for the relief workers and families of victims. The PTA selected the honorees by asking students and parents to nominate anyone they know who was either a hero or who made a contribution to the relief efforts.

Ceremonies began with the whole school outside the building reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, as the Bethpage Fire Department hoisted a flag above its hook and ladder truck. Students and invited guests then assembled inside the gym, where Principal Jeffrey Faust welcomed the guests of honor and speakers Dr. John A. Richman, superintendent of schools, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto.

PTA Presidents Lori Dietrich and Chris Tarantino presided at the presentation, calling the name of each honoree and presenting a flag and certificate. The PTA also dedicated new flags for the lobby of the school as well as a Úquot;Time of HonorÚquot; collage, which contains portions of the letters written on behalf of the honorees. The PTA also presented a banner stating, Úquot;Plainedge Community - Proud to be an American,Úquot; which hangs outside the John West School building.

The Úquot;Time of HonorÚquot; assembly was coordinated by Mrs. Dietrich and Mrs. Tarantino and the PTA Executive Board Liz Bracken, Carol Rothstein, Karen Ventricelli, patti DelRe and Terry DuRoss.