Students, staff, and members of the community gathered together on Thursday afternoon, September 11 to plant a tree in remembrance of the heroes of 9/11. "Today we honor the heroes who made a difference in other people's lives two years ago today, a day that will stand out in our minds forever," explained student Jonathan Varghese at the opening of the ceremony. "As Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said, 'the terrorists wanted September 11th to be a day when innocents died. Instead it was a day when heroes were born.'" The community service learning class of the Jericho Middle School prepared and organized this solemn and thoughtful event under the guidance of faculty advisors Jill Grossman, Maria Panayiotou and Spiridoula Nikolopoulos.

Jodi Goodman began the ceremony by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Community service learning class students Victoria Saunders, Brooke Robinson, and Eden Neidorff shared readings with those gathered for the ceremony, and BRAVE (Bullying Reduction Anti Violence Education) Ambassadors Robert Wu, Tracy Rosenberg and Jacob Roberts read quotations that reflected more thoughts of the day. Blake Cohen read excerpts from Courage by Bernard Waber, and Lindsey Schnitt concluded the afternoon by acknowledging the efforts of those involved.

A beautiful Kousa dogwood was planted outside of the middle school to honor and remember the heroes of 9/11. The Jericho based company, Landscape Techniques, generously donated the tree. The company's involvement in the project is a very personal one. Co-owners Jim Brogan and Joe Sloboda, both lifelong Jericho residents and Jericho High School graduates, had close personal relationships with some of the Jericho alumni who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center. On behalf of the middle school, sons Kevin Brogan and Matt Sloboda proudly recognized the community service efforts of their dads by presenting them with certificates. "Mr. Brogan and Mr. Sloboda, as well as members of our PTA community service committee, Mrs. Lisa Goldstein, Mrs. Christine Hochhauser, and Mrs. Susan Holtz, are all wonderful role models for our middle school students," remarked principal Cecile Wren after the ceremony. "When students watch adults in our community take time from their busy schedules to do something caring for others, they witness some of the most important social-emotional concepts we teach. We are very fortunate to have so many positive role models in our community for children to emulate."

Members of the technology department at the middle school assisted in the event as well. Mark Hecht and David Herbert built and installed a stand for the plaque that was placed in front of the tree. "Our faculty at the middle school is just incredible," commented community service teacher Jill Grossman. "Staff members constantly look to be of assistance in any and all community service projects. Their participation and support help to make our activities successful."