YONKERS, NY — September 24, 2026 — Not all lessons taught in school involve reading, writing and arithmetic. This one involves kindness and compassion.
At first glance, a bulletin board outside Christopher Hasson’s biology class at PEARLS Hawthorne School seems like most patriotic displays in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Upon further examination, it becomes clear that the photos, poems and cards are deeply personal.
“My brother Joseph was full of life,” Hasson said. “He was a super cool guy, who made you feel like you were special.” Joseph John Hasson III died in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. He and his wife had just welcomed a son into the world on Father’s Day.
Following his brother’s death, Christopher Hasson desperately needed a change, so he left his job in Brooklyn for a teaching position in Yonkers. He’s taught science at PEARLS Hawthorne for over 20 years. To mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, PEARLS students crafted sympathy cards for the veteran teacher.
“They should be recognized for what they did,” Hasson said as his voice quivered with emotion. “It meant so much to me. It moved me.”
Recognizing that her students were born long after that dark day, special education teacher Shai Stephenson decided to create a project that would be memorable and meaningful. She taught the history while emphasizing service.
“My students are the kindest people that you will ever meet,” she said. “Watching them work on the cards and the heartfelt messages that they wrote—these things touched me.”
Students drew hearts, a cross and smiling faces. They wrote simple messages expressing their genuine care and concern. Student Lenin Lucas Sepulveda explained, “I wrote that I was really sorry for his loss. I asked God to pray for Mr. Hasson’s family.”
Hasson treated Ms. Stephenson’s class to cupcakes and shared photos and memories of his brother with inquisitive students who wanted to learn more. Stephenson believes a poignant, firsthand account of loss resonates and leaves an impression that will not soon be forgotten.
She said, “We really appreciate that he’s sharing his brother’s legacy to help teach a new generation about what happened.”
The passage of time cannot dull the pain. For Christopher Hasson, the loss of his brother still stings a quarter of a century later. From time to time, his eyes glisten with tears and his voice trembles, but then he thinks of the love and support of the students, and he’s revitalized.
“An act of kindness goes a long way,” he said. “There’s nothing like a child’s smile to make you feel warm inside—special and happy. Look at these cards! I’m going to save them for the rest of my life and share them with people so that others may learn about the power of kindness.”
