Students, Staff, and Local Fire Departments Unite in Remembrance
MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2026) — In honor of Patriot Day
and the 25th anniversary of September 11th, the Middle Country Central School
District came together this month to honor the heroes of that historic day and
reflect on the courage, unity, and service that continue to define the community
today. Across the district’s schools and alongside local fire departments,
students, staff, and community members took part in special tributes, lessons,
and memorial ceremonies honoring the first responders who protect their peers
every day.
At Hawkins Path Elementary School, students and faculty wore red, white, and
blue to show their unity, honor their heroes and first responders, and
demonstrate their pride as a school community. At Bicycle Path
Pre-K/Kindergarten Center, Ms. Hanson’s Pre-K class marked the occasion by
spending time outdoors, proudly wearing red, white, and blue while enjoying the
September sunshine. At Eugene Auer Elementary School, third-grade students in
Ms. Merkle’s class learned about the vital role first responders played on
September 11th and the impact they continue to have on the community
today, while fifth graders in Mrs. Rodrigues’ class explored the bravery first
responders showed that day and discussed how local heroes continue to protect
and support the Middle Country community every day.
At Holbrook Road Elementary School, Mrs. Garcia’s fourth-grade students commemorated
the heroes of September 11th by reading the book “Fireboat” by Maira
Kalman and reflecting on how true heroism shines through in the face of
disaster. Students shared personal connections to that day, including the story
of Mrs. Garcia’s father, a Selden firefighter who traveled into New York City
to help, before placing flags along the school’s bus loop in remembrance.
The community’s tributes extended beyond the classroom to local firehouses,
where Middle Country students, staff, and families joined neighbors for 25th
anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremonies. At the Centereach Fire House, chorus teacher
Mr. Hough and members of the Centereach High School choir performed a
reflective musical tribute, and CHS band teacher Ms. Bush performed Taps on her
trumpet. At the Selden Fire Department, members of the Newfield High School select
vocal ensemble, under the direction of chorus teacher Ms. Meichner-Shaw, sang
and signed the Star-Spangled Banner, and senior Tonimarie Guarisco performed a
solo of “Somewhere” from Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”
Middle Country Central School District Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerold joined
local elected officials in sharing remarks honoring the day, and retired Fire
Chief Michael Matteo served as master of ceremonies for the dedication of a new
memorial. Twenty-five years after September 11th, the Middle Country
community continues to honor the memory of those lost and the bravery of the
first responders who answered the call, ensuring that the lessons of service,
sacrifice, and unity are passed on to the next generation of students.
For more
information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its
students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.