YONKERS, NY – September 15, 2026 – Under a sparkling blue sky that evoked memories of the clear day on September 11, 2001, Gorton High School students marked the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks with reverence, remembrance and gratitude.
Gorton High School principal Jamie Morales related to his students with his own 9/11 experience after learning of the hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in western Pennsylvania. “I was 16-years-old on September 11,” he said. “I was in U.S. history class at Mount Vernon High School. In that instant, we knew everything had change. There was fear, there was confusion and there were questions that no one could answer.”
The centerpiece of the solemn ceremony was the “Never Forget Garden,” a circular patch surrounded by green shrubs and flowers. A stone monument features a bronze plaque in honor of those who gave their lives in service of their country. Students observed a moment of silence and bowed their heads as members of the student government recited the names of the Yonkers residents who died on September 11.
Having no personal memory of the terror attacks, students listened intently as officials shared their own stories and connections. Board of Education Trustee Lorraine Lopez recalled the shock, panic and levelheaded response at Yonkers City Hall. “A colleague’s sister died in the Pentagon,” she said. “It really hit close to home.”
Associate Superintendent RoseAnne Collins-Judon shared the loss and suffering in her own family. Several relatives worked in the recovery effort. A cousin has died from 9/11 related illness and her brother is in treatment for cancer linked to the toxic dust. “My brother is a ticking time bomb,” she said as her voice quivered with emotion. As Mrs. Collins-Judon regrouped, she added, “What matters most is to serve this great country that we are proud to be a part of—to give back to our neighbors.”
Students expressed gratitude to Yonkers first responders and presented banners with a message of appreciation to Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick and Yonkers Police First Deputy Chief Daniel Campanini. Both men said they were heartened to see young people taking an interest in this defining moment in history.
Gorton Senior Nicole Akiru considered it a solemn duty to recite the names. “I felt it in my heart,” she said. “I literally had chills when everyone fell silent.” Fellow senior Laila Peterson also had a visceral reaction. “I have family in law enforcement so this is deeply personal,” she said. “The events of 9/11 motivated them to serve. I share that sense of duty. They inspire me.”
One lesson that resonated with students was the story of the man in the red bandana. Mrs. Collins-Judon spoke of Welles Crowther, a young man from Upper Nyack who worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Crowther, a volunteer firefighter, carried an injured woman over his shoulder and led as many as 18 people to the only intact stairwell above the impact zone. Survivors recounted the deeds of a mystery man with a bandana over his face; Crowther always carried a red bandana. Gorton senior Loremy Galindo reflected, “All of us should emulate Welles Crowther: his courage, his confidence and his selflessness.” Last week, President Trump Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther.
Throughout the ceremony, the passage of time was a recurring theme. A quarter century later the post-9/11 generation is coming of age. Principal Morales urged his students to pick up the mantle. “Learn the history,” he said. “Listen to the stories, honor the sacrifice and understand the courage.”
