Hartselle Intermediate Students honor 9/11 with Patriot Day observance

Photos by Anna Stanley 

Special to the Enquirer  

Hartselle Intermediate School students came together on Sept. 11 to observe Patriot Day, honoring the memory of those killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks and recognizing the first responders who saved countless lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. 

At 9:03 a.m., the moment the second World Trade Center tower was struck, students returned to their homerooms to participate in educational activities centered on the events of 9/11 and its lasting impact on the nation. These lessons included only historical content, featuring live news footage from the day of the attacks. 

In a tribute to the fallen firefighters who climbed the towers in an effort to save lives, students engaged in a symbolic stair climb. Each homeroom worked together to complete the equivalent number of steps climbed by firefighter. If any student was unable to finish, their classmates stepped in to ensure the task was completed. 

The school also hosted a LifeSouth Blood Drive for the community, resulting in donations sufficient to aid 30 people in need. 

During the school’s Tiger Way Pep Rally, students were treated to special presentations from the Civil Air Patrol, the Junior High School band and Master Sgt. Joseph Betterton, who spoke to the students. Lindsey Lee from LifeSouth addressed the importance of blood donations as well. 

Throughout the event, Hartselle Intermediate emphasized its recognition as a National School of Character, focusing on the values of resilience, perseverance, integrity and kindness. These traits were displayed in abundance during the nation’s response to the 9/11 tragedy, and the school aimed to instill that same spirit of service in its students.