Neighbor News
Bedford Hills Elementary School Celebrates First Responders on 9-11
Students showed their appreciation for local departments during a special assembly
On September 11, Bedford Hills Elementary School honored first responders during a heartwarming schoolwide assembly. Local members of the police, fire and ambulance corps were invited to the school to be celebrated and thanked for their service to the community.
“Today is known as Patriots Day,” tiered support teacher Lisa Kenny told students. “It's a National Day of Service, which means it's a day when we do something special for other people. At BHES, we decided to celebrate this day by inviting our first responders — the people who protect us, keep us safe and help us in emergencies — because we want to let them know how special they are to us.”
Kenny gave the first responders a chance to introduce themselves to students, which showed just how deeply intertwined they are in the community. Many of the first responders had been Bedford Hills students or had children or grandchildren in the school. Some were part of families that had been serving as first responders in the community for generations.
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They also talked about the importance of community service and urged students to volunteer when they’re older. In the meantime, students were invited to stop by local stations and to say hello when they see first responders around town.
To end the assembly, fifth graders presented their guests of honor with boxes of goodies and lawn signs that expressed the school’s support for them.
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“When school started last week, we were thinking about our act of service, and all the students worked on a project for you,” Kenny said. “There are some special treats here to share with your departments so that we can let everybody know how grateful we are that you're all here for everyone in Bedford Hills.”
The group left to a standing ovation from students, giving high fives on their way out of the auditorium.
The event is a yearly tradition as BHES — and one that is very meaningful for Principal Zbynek Gold.
“I’ve been a volunteer EMT since 1987 in three different states,” Gold said. “It’s something that has definitely formed me as a leader and a person. I encouraged my kids to volunteer as well, and it was an honor to be able to volunteer alongside them.”
