I was 10 years old on that late summer day in 2001. It seemed to be just another school day. Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary, that is until around the end of the lunch period. I was about to throw away my garbage when my friend Amber came up to me and said, "A plane just crashed into the Twin Towers and now one is headed for the White House, I think." I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I could not eat another bite.

- Essay by Paul Swinehart, Grade 8

On September 11th, 2001, I was awakened from bed early by my Mom. On the television, I saw two skyscrapers in New York on fire. They had been hit by airplanes.

Of course, I was very sad, but I was mostly very angry. I was only 8 years old. I didn't know what to think. I didn't know who could have done such a terrible thing. When we found out that it was the Taliban, people from Afghanistan, I was wondering where the country was. I finally found it on a map. My immediate reaction was anger! I was prejudiced - I thought that everything and everyone that came from that region was bad. I realize now that you can't label an entire group or race of people as being evil. Still ... I can't help wondering where the masterminds are right now and when they will be caught. I can't wait until that day comes, because I will know that justice has finally been served.

- Essay by Jackie Kimmel, Grade 10

This day was like no other; a day of unforgettable feats and unbelievable sadness. The day of September 11, 2001 is one of the many pages in the book of America's history that will never be lost, just like the days of Pearl Harbor and even back to the civil war. These events are all remembered and known clearly just as the day of September 11th is to me.

Coming from the mind of a 5th grader, nothing seemed worse than having to sit through a full day of school, but little did I know I was about to find out how wrong I was. Sitting in my homeroom class I suddenly realized that many of my classmates were being mysteriously dismissed from school. I secretly envied them, wishing that I could leave also. From the time of the first dismissed student to the unveiling of what was actually happening, is a time I regard as one of dumbfounded and complete mystery. To me it seemed as if everyone knew a secret and was intentionally keeping me out of the loop. I can remember hushed whispers in the hall from one teacher to another. As more and more students started being picked up by their parents, I became more and more worried, what exactly had happened and what was going to happen to the rest of us students that were still at school?

- Essay by Gretchen Smith, Grade 10



September 11th, 2001 started out like any other day. I was in 5th grade. I woke up, went to school, and talked to my friends. Later that day, a little after lunch, things started getting a little suspicious. Teachers were talking quietly, parents were coming to the school and pulling kids out of class to take them home. Then rumors of attacks started going around the lunch area. We had all heard that we were getting out early. I remember I was really worried. Since my Mom is a teacher I went to her room and asked her what was going on. When she told me, I was very shocked. Shanksville is only about five miles away from us.