RHS Grads Share Historic News in DC

When 20-year-old Ashley Bruggemann, sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C., heard the news of bin Laden's death, the Ramapo High Class of 2009 alum and and her friends jumped in a car and headed toward the White House "because it felt right."

"It's one of those things you don't think about, you just do it,” she said. “That was something that I couldn't pass up."

Bruggemann, who is majoring in International Studies with a focus on foreign policy, described the scene outside the White House Sunday night as one of infectious celebration and patriotism.

"There were people wrapping themselves in American flags and breaking out in song of God Bless America and the national anthem. It was just amazing," she said.

There, Bruggemann bumped into a familiar face from home, Casey Frank, Ramapo High Class of 2010, who attends George Washington University.

Frank, — who was studying for finals in the dorm at GW when she heard the news of bin Laden’s death and went to the White House with her roommates — was standing on the ledge against the White House fence when Ashley came running over.

“It was so cool being seeing Ashley. I have been in D.C. all year and this is the first time I’ve bumped into her,” Frank said, noting she also spotted Nicole Oderdonk, of Wyckoff, in the crowd.

 “It was amazing and cool to be a part of history,” said Frank who, as of Monday afternoon, hadn’t been to sleep yet due to finals.  “It made me really glad I picked George Washington to go to.”

Both Bruggemann and Frank were attending Coolidge Elementary School on Sept. 11, 2001, and didn’t really realize the weight of that day. Frank said she recalls children leaving school early and before her own mom picked her up and told her what happened. Her dad, a photographer who worked a few blocks away from Ground Zero, thankfully made it home.

“I didn’t fully understand what was going on,” she recalled. “I mostly remember being confused.”

This historic moment, however is one neither college student will forget.

"This is something I can tell my kids about. That I was there when this happened," Bruggemann said. "It's one of those things you don't think about, you just do it. That was something that I couldn't pass up."