MOMS Students Lead 9/11 Remembrance
![MOMS Students Lead 9/11 Remembrance]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757685333/mtoliveboeorg/ac9jc6tvt5hcgnknfusc/logos_20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1757685333/mtoliveboeorg/ac9jc6tvt5hcgnknfusc/logos_20.png","width":500}])
September, 2025
On Wednesday, September 11, Mount Olive Middle School students and staff joined together in a schoolwide remembrance of the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This meaningful event was organized entirely by the school’s 8th grade Project Impact students under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Tarnowski, with the participation of the entire student body and staff, and extra support from the office staff to help the day run smoothly.
Project Impact empowers students to design and lead initiatives that make a positive difference in their school and community. For this project, students coordinated a variety of activities to help the school community reflect on the events of 9/11 and the importance of unity, resilience, and remembrance.
In the days leading up to the anniversary, students created hallway posters reminding classmates of the day and encouraging everyone to wear red, white, and blue. More than 400 American flags were placed around the school property by the Project Impact students with the assistance of custodial supervisor Joe Biasi, creating a powerful visual tribute.
On September 11, the day began with patriotic music playing outside during bus arrival, setting a reflective tone for the morning. Morning announcements included a moving solo performance of God Bless America, followed by a schoolwide moment of silence. A second announcement later in the day reinforced the theme of remembrance.
During 8th grade FLEX time, the school’s band and orchestra performed a stirring tribute, featuring the band’s top trumpet players.
Every homeroom viewed a student-created slide presentation that included video clips explaining the events of 9/11 in an age-appropriate way. The presentation also highlighted the story of Mount Olive’s own hometown hero, Hilda Marcin, who perished with courage and honor aboard Flight 93. Hilda was not only a beloved member of the community, but also served for many years as a paraprofessional at Tinc Road School in Mount Olive, leaving a lasting legacy of care and dedication to students.
To extend their impact, the Project Impact students also crafted thank-you notes and tokens of appreciation for staff and peers who supported the remembrance activities. Their guiding mantra, “Small acts, big impact,” reflects their belief that even the smallest gestures of service and kindness can create meaningful change.
“This project gave our students the chance to honor the heroes of 9/11 while also learning how to plan, organize, and reflect on a large-scale event,” said Dr. Tarnowski. “I am so proud of their hard work and the sense of purpose they brought to this important day.”
The remembrance project is one of many initiatives the Project Impact students will take on this year, with future plans including community service projects, food drives, and veteran outreach activities.
