YONKERS, NY – September 11, 2026 - Public schools across Yonkers observed the 25th anniversary of the September 11 Terror Attacks with a variety of programs that emphasized reverence, remembrance, and reflection.
On September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial aircraft. They crashed them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The coordinated attacks claimed nearly 3000 lives.
Thousands more have died since then due to illnesses linked to the toxic dust and debris from the collapsed towers.
American Airlines flight 11 flew past Yonkers, over the Hudson River, before it crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Today, a memorial on the waterfront honors the 26 Yonkers residents who died on September 11.
The September 11 Terror Attacks were a defining moment in modern history. Several Yonkers Public Schools paused to remember the people who were lost, their families, and the brave first responders and ordinary citizens who risked all for the sake of others.
High school students learned about the historical context of the attacks. They explored their resonance today, while elementary grades participated in age-appropriate activities and art projects that displayed patriotism. On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, students also learned about the power of kindness, compassion, and community service.
At Roosevelt High School, information panels covered the windows to the main office. They explored events before, during, and after the attacks. QR codes linked to first-person accounts. Students watched a film produced by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
The anniversary made an impression on Junior Jade Wong-Gonzalez. “I didn’t really know much about 9/11 before my 9th grade history class,” she said. “Since then, I’ve been inspired to volunteer; I love helping people.”
History teacher Leanne Schwan believes her students want to learn more. “I think students do understand the significance of this day.” She added, “We learn from our past, so for our students the question is, how do we move on and how do we make the world better?”
Roosevelt High School principal Steve Naber was an intern at the United Nations on September 11, 2001. He watched the mass exodus of dust-covered survivors as they trekked north. “This was a pivotal moment in American history,” he said. “After that day, the world changed. Our students weren’t alive then; they didn’t experience it. It’s important that we educate the generations that have been born since.”
Across Yonkers Public Schools, flags flew at half-staff. Many schools observed moments of silence. Younger students sang songs, recited poetry, planted flowers, and listened to stories about heroes, helpers, kindness and unity. Red, white and blue were the wardrobe colors of choice for the day. Students wrote cards and letters of appreciation for first responders.
Twenty-five years ago, the nation came together in the face of great evil. The Yonkers Public Schools District remembers the loss, honors the sacrifices and looks to perpetuate the enduring spirit of service and compassion.
