H.E. Corley Elementary to Hold Lunch in Observance of 9/11

A Lexington-Richland District Five school will hold an event in observance of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and first responders who bravely risk their lives to save others.

Since the one-year anniversary of 9/11, faculty and students at H. E. Corley have welcomed first responders to eat a free lunch with them. Twelve years later, the school still holds the event on the anniversary each year – and the response from the community has been very positive, school officials say.

“It’s something we’ve done since the tragedy happened twelve years ago,” said Assistant Principal Donald Butler. “It’s a fun way for students and staff to give back and personally thank first responders for all they do.”

This year, students had an opportunity to make something personal to give to each first responder that will attend the lunch. Students made personalized place mats and mini American flags in art classes. Butler said they wanted to find a way to give back and make the occasion even more personal.

“Instead of having a big presentation or assembly we decided to let the students make personalized art work to give to each attendee,” he said. “We thought it would mean more to them, and this way our students wouldn’t lose any instructional time.”

This is a special year for the school regarding the 9/11 anniversary because of first year art teacher Kate Montella. She was in New York when the tragedy took place, and her father was a first responder. Because she has such a personal connection, she agreed to do an art project with her classes as a way for the students to show their thanks.

“My dad was a first responder on 9/11, so I experienced firsthand how much others needed him during the tragedy,” said Montella. “This is a way for our school to really show first responders that we appreciate what they do every day, and I love the idea of doing something to give back to them.” 

Butler added, “They do so much for us that we could never thank them enough. This lunch is a personal way for our students and staff to have a direct positive interaction with the first responders in our community and show them just how appreciative we really are.”