September 11, 2001, was a defining day in our country's history. And it was a tragedy that happened before any of our K-12 students were born. How can we convey the enormity of that day? A field trip to “Cache Valley Remembers: The 9/11 Project” was an attempt to do just that. Each 5th, 8th, and 11th grade U.S. History class in our district visited the local exhibit.

5th-grade teacher Kelly McCleary-Hampton prepared her students by “focus(ing) on the heroes and the positive things” that emerged as people stepped up for their communities. She wanted her students to leave feeling a closer tie to those events. “Finding our place within history connects us as humans. That’s so important,” she said.

As students walked through the 9/11 Project exhibit, they responded with solemn respect. Many wore their best dress in honor of the victims and heroes. Konnyn Uiagese, a student at Cache High, said, “It’s just so tragic that it happened…I think, to this younger community, it’s a very respectful era.” One of his classmates, Madyson Rios-Mercado, agreed. She said, “Yeah, it made such a significant impact on everyone’s lives.”

Sheri Hansen, principal at Cache High, brought her entire school to the event. “Seeing the evidence in a museum is so enlightening. I mean, they hear about 9/11, but it’s more than the two towers. We saw the heroes. We united! I’m hoping they’ll realize that there are good humans everywhere. Sometimes we go through hard things, but I want my students to know that we can build resilience. We can push on. And, it’s important that we do.”

Her students seemed to get the message. Jace Virgin, a Senior, said, “I just think learning the tragedy brings people together. It keeps people united…and I think it should be like that all the time. It reminds us to be kind.”