Middle schoolers visit Flight 93 Memorial

Students on the Cougar Team at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) traveled to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, thanks to funding provided by the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF). This educational experience provided students with the opportunity to learn about the diverse group of strangers who showed leadership, heroism, selflessness and service above self on September 11, 2001. These same qualities were demonstrated by their school’s namesake, Ryan Gloyer, and what educators hope to instill in all RGMS students.

Mr. Tom Donati, RGMS history teacher, and Ms. Staci Hughes, RGMS English teacher, collaborated to design an interdisciplinary unit centered on the aftermath of September 11. The project culminated in students creating PowerPoint presentations to showcase their learning. Following the presentations, a select group of students were chosen to participate in a field trip to the Flight 93 Memorial.

“Every student who attended was captivated by the memorial,” said Ms. Hughes. “They were engaged with the park ranger’s storytelling and many commented that they could feel the significance and reality of the events of 9/11 through this trip. It truly impacted them and their understanding.”

“I am very thankful for attending because the trip to the memorial gave me so much more background knowledge on Flight 93,” said seventh grader Micah Eiler. “I am very thankful that Ranger Gregory took the time to teach us about what really happened on that plane and why it is so important.”

Seventh grader Luci Senft shared, “I am thankful for attending the field trip. It had a big impact on my life, and it really helped me to understand the stories on 9/11 and learn about the heroes.”