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AHS students were welcomed outside the front entrance during their LEAD section on Thursday, September 11th to place one of two smaller sized American Flags around the front of the high school. The weather in 2025 was extremely similar to the bright sunshine and warm, comfortable temperature that remains part of the memories for staff who were teaching at Avonworth or can remember where they were in 2001.
Last year, students gathered around the flagpole while the choir sang the National Anthem. This year, Dr. Dwuilt instead asked students to line the new grass circle, and between the middle school now holding 6th grade up to the current seniors, a potential for 1000 students to place a flag existed.
For the student body in 2025-2026, the day now marks a purely historical event. The oldest members of the senior class were born in 2007, the last year President George W Bush was in office and in continuation of the “War on Terror” he issued in response to the attacks on The World Trade Center in New York City, The Pentagon in Washington D.C., and Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, PA, two hours east of Avonworth.
Principal Dwuilt shared her traditional message, a reflection of her own time in the Armed Forces being deployed to Afghanistan.
Good morning Avonworth. This is Dr. Dwulit…I ask for your attention for a few moments as we acknowledge our observance of September 11th.
On September 11th, 2001…a beautiful day nearly 24 years ago…the world changed as we knew it.
Students – I realize you do not have memories of this event nor can you feel the same emotions vividly recalled by the adults here. But you can learn from those that did. Listen and learn from stories of others. They are woven together as the fabric of this United States of America. Never forget moments and days like these.
It was at this time 8:46am, the first of two planes would hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center, beginning a series of attacks intended to get to the soul of America. We were angry, violated, desperate, humbled, sad…and then strong, kind, selfless, proud and most important, resilient. We stood together as first responders saved countless lives.
We remember the thousands of lives lost today and will never forget. We also remember those who ran toward the devastation in hopes of providing assistance, while thousands fled to safety.
Students, your perseverance and strength through these challenging times give us all hope. Make today and the days ahead count.
Join together with me to focus on what you need to remember most – your family, those fighting battles, those serving, those lost, and each of you doing your part each day. Let’s observe a moment of silence in honor and remembrance of September 11th.
During your during LEAD time today, we will gather around our new flagpole and place flags.
Thank you for inspiring me and giving me hope in today and tomorrow.
Photos by Dylan Puck and Lila Caulkins, Class of 2029
