Preserving history

Students on the Cougar Team at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) traveled to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville 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.

English and history classes collaborated to design an interdisciplinary unit centered on the aftermath of September 11. Students read self-selected novels, examined tests, created sketch concept notes and participated in thoughtful discussions. The project culminated in students creating presentations addressing the importance of teaching 9/11 history in middle school, the value of storytelling in preserving history and more. Following the presentations, a select group of students were chosen to participate in a field trip to the Flight 93 Memorial where they deepened their understanding and connected their learning to Sergeant Ryan Gloyer’s legacy.