Over the past week, schools within Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) in Gilbert and Mesa organized events to honor first responders and mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. These activities aimed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and recognize the ongoing contributions of first responders.
Several GPS campuses held assemblies focused on remembrance. Carol Rae Ranch Elementary’s annual assembly included police officers from various East Valley municipalities and Arizona State Troopers, with a helicopter flyover as part of the event. Spectrum Elementary featured a presentation of colors by the Gilbert High color guard during its assembly. At Gilbert Classical Academy, students from an advanced vocal group performed the National Anthem, followed by a moment of silence at 9:11 a.m., trumpet players performing Taps from a rooftop, and a tribute by the GCA Symphonic Strings to members of the Armed Forces.
In addition to ceremonies, community service projects were conducted across several schools. Desert Ridge High School hosted its Annual Day of Service on September 13, bringing together about 1,350 participants including community members, staff, and students. Projects included packing 8,000 snack packs for students in need, collecting 1,500 pairs of shoes for Soley for Kids—a non-profit organization—and making six quilts. Volunteers also worked on beautification efforts around campus such as painting pillars and school letters. The school further recognized first responders through themed jerseys and encouraged participation in a spirit day during its football game on September 18.
Pioneer Elementary carried out a school-wide project that involved packaging approximately 3,000 pounds of donated soap from The Soap Gal—a local company—which consisted mostly of bars that were damaged but still usable. Students formed an assembly line in the multi-purpose room to prepare these items for organizations supporting children and families; volunteers from Fat Cats assisted with this effort.
“Through service, we can bring this day back,” said Ruthanne Vanwagoner, Reading Specialist at Pioneer Elementary. “9/11 is a day of remembrance, and we can bring people together to provide services to others. It’s important that we all learn to serve and look for opportunities to serve others.”
All 39 GPS schools dedicated time during their school day to learning about September 11th. Additional campuses—including Ashland Ranch Elementary, Canyon Rim Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Harris Elementary, Islands Elementary, Meridian Elementary, Neely Traditional Academy, and Patterson Elementary—also held assemblies or commemorative activities focused on honoring those affected by September 11th and highlighting the role played by first responders.
