East Meadow students at W.T. Clarke Middle School commemorated September 11, also referred to as Patriot Day, with reflections on hopes and dreams for the future.
The morning commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America.” During social studies classes, each student wrote a reflection and wishes for a better world on an index card. The index cards were then taken to the school’s Reflection Garden and placed in a box decorated with patriotic colors. After the reflections were deposited, the students received a pin to commemorate this historical day.
Principal Stacy Breslin explained that the Reflection Garden, which was originally created as a memorial for two former colleagues who passed away, has also become an alcove where students and teachers can come to reflect or spend quiet time. Teacher Debra Marks worked diligently over the summer to prepare the Reflection Garden for the fall. She also secured donations of plantings and mulch from Zainos Nursery and benches from Lowe’s of Westbury. “This is a wonderful place for teachers to bring their class for a period of quiet reading, or for staff and students to take a moment to reflect during their day,” Ms. Breslin stated.
The students’ reflections were heartwarming and included the following hopes for the future:“I hope that the world learns to accept other cultures and religions.”“I hope that we can have peace and stop fighting and that soldiers can stop fighting in wars.”“I hope that we don’t get attacked again, and that police and firefighters don’t have to continue to risk their lives.”“I wish for no more wars, an end to poverty and world peace.” “I hope we can all move on.”
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