Robidoux Middle School staff design 9/11 exhibit for students

By Jazmine Knight

In recognition of the tragedy that took place 23 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, students at Robidoux Middle School had a chance to explore the event’s history throughout the school day.

School librarian Melissa Corey and Robidoux middle social studies teachers created a 9/11 exhibit in the library. Student tours began at 9:30 a.m. and ran throughout the day.

The exhibit contains newspapers from 9/11 and the surrounding days, photographs of 9/11 artifacts and different posters explaining the unfortunate events.

Corey said it’s important for the kids to remember 9/11’s history even though they weren’t alive for the attack.

“It’s a very unifying event, for the American people,” she said. “It’s really about giving them that idea of that moment in time.”

For instance, the exhibit also featured four clocks frozen at different times. The different times represent when each plane struck each building. She said this helps to make it relevant for students while showcasing stories of individual people.

“A lot of the students don’t realize, you know, these are all people who are just going about their day,” Corey said. “(It) makes them realize that these individuals lost loved ones on that day or saw the impact of that day.”

The display also shows a tower of names that lists each victim, their age, occupation and location during the attack. First responders are designated in red. Corey said this teaches students that first responders and civilians suffer from long-term health effects from this attack. She also wants the kids to realize that in case of an emergency or tragic event, there’s always going to be people running to help you even if they’re putting their life on the line.

“They scan the names, they see first names that they might recognize. They see ages that may be similar to,” she said. “So seeing those names has a really big impact on them.”

Eighth graders Ayden Williams and Vander West said that before entering the exhibit they knew that 9/11 was a tragic event. West said he thinks it all started because people weren’t happy with America or its customs.

“I’d have to agree with that. I’d say it was very sad and it was just like a big sad moment in America,” Williams said.

Both boys said they got most of their knowledge from teachers and their parents, but they still have one question.

“Just a lot of, like, why and mostly just how it was involved and how people were that angry to hurt people,” said West.

The pair looked forward to learning more about the tower of names. They say if they ever got a chance to speak with a survivor or a victim’s family, they would express their condolences and apologies.

“It’s a terrible thing that happened. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” said Williams.

For West, learning about 9/11 reminds him to always be aware of his surroundings.

“It’s very important to just remember that this can happen,” said West. “Although we’re safe, you always got to be a little aware that other bad people can do the same thing, no one expects until it happens.”

Corey says they try to add something new to the exhibit every year. She says in years past, students not only have an understanding of 9/11 but they also learn resilience from watching survivors persevere.

“These students have lived through a lot, they lived through COVID,” Corey said. “But the resilience that they see from the individuals that live through 911 is really, really important and so I think they get a lot out of this day.”