This week, Foran High School is turning remembrance into action, as students honor 9/11 by donating essential items, giving books, and performing acts of kindness.
The school is leading three initiatives to commemorate the anniversary, offering students many different ways to get involved. The Rho Kappa Honor Society is collecting essentials for the Beth-El Center, a local organization supporting the homeless. Social Studies teacher Ms. Rachel Rowley is organizing a book drive, while the Social Studies Department urges students to pledge good deeds through 911day.org, a national campaign promoting service in memory of 9/11.
Mr. Austin Cesare, the Rho Kappa Honor Society advisor, is organizing the fundraiser. The goal is to provide the Beth-El Center with items that they need. Rho Kappa plans to collect a variety of items from food to clothing, along with any other necessities people will need when they come to the center.
Cesare explains what he hopes students take away from the fundraiser, adding, “We are doing the drive as part of the 9/11 Good Deed initiative. It is our hope that students are made more aware of the necessity to help others and do good deeds, and to also remember all of those who tragically lost their lives on 9/11.”
Rho Kappa hopes that seeing their peers get involved will encourage even more students to take part and support the Beth-El Center.
Rho Kappa Honor Society officer Senior Katie Vigilante adds, “I think it’s important for students to participate in this fundraiser because it is a great way of honoring the victims of 9/11. Doing good for others in honor of their sacrifice helps their memory to live on and be preserved in a positive way.”
In addition to Rho Kappa’s efforts, Rowley has organized a book drive as another way for students to give back in honor of 9/11.
Rowley explained that her inspiration for organizing a book drive comes from the spirit of unity and generosity that followed the 9/11 attacks. “Those who lost the most gave the most, and that has inspired me year after year to do something to honor those lost.” She said. Rowley added that she wanted to create an opportunity for students to participate in a good deed without needing financial resources. “Good deeds certainly don’t have to be financial; they can be as simple as giving to someone in need something you have but no longer use.”
The donated books will be given to elementary school students in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where many students do not have books at home.
“My cousins are elementary teachers in Bridgeport, and most of their students do not have books at home to read at their leisure, so we will be donating the books to elementary school students in various Bridgeport Public Elementary Schools,” Rowley explains. Book donations can be dropped off in the TLC through the end of the month.
As part of the broader initiative, the Social Studies Department is also encouraging students to take part in the 911day.org campaign by performing acts of kindness. Students can request a pledge form from their Social Studies teacher, where they will write down the good deed they did (or are planning to do) in honor of 9/11. It’s a simple but meaningful way for students to give back, and teachers describe it as a good cause that helps spread positivity throughout the school and community.
“Small changes in life can greatly impact everyone and everything,” remarks Social Studies teacher Mr. Zachary Phelan.
Students can drop off donations for the Rho Kappa drive in bags located in any Social Studies classroom or the Main Office. The collection for this cause continues through Tuesday, September 16. Ms. Rowley’s book drive will run throughout the month, giving students more time to contribute.
While the 911day.org campaign encourages students to pledge a good deed specifically on September 11, teachers emphasize that the spirit of the project extends beyond one day. Students are urged to carry out acts of kindness regularly, keeping the message and spirit alive throughout the year.
Through these initiatives, Foran students are demonstrating that small actions, from donating items to performing acts of kindness, can make a meaningful difference in the community while honoring the memory of 9/11 victims and heroes.
