In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, West Babylon High School senior Lia DeGennaro created a special banner for display at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, where her mother teaches, providing students with a meaningful visual reminder of the day and connecting the anniversary to important lessons about peace, kindness and unity.

Lia designed the banner with the intention of honoring the significance of Sept. 11 while creating something that could become part of the elementary school’s learning experience. With her mother, Lisa, teaching at the school, the project held a particularly personal meaning.
“I wanted to create something that would serve as a reminder of Sept. 11 and help connect the day to the lessons the students were learning,” she said. 

Throughout the week, John F. Kennedy Elementary School students participated in age-appropriate lessons and activities focused on the themes of peace, kindness and unity. Teachers used the anniversary as an opportunity to help students understand the importance of caring for others, supporting their community and recognizing the everyday heroes who make a difference.