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THE PESA POST
The latest news, views and announcements from
Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action

September 8, 2022
LEARNING TO NEVER FORGET
PESA sponsors a multi-day program for teens to study and commemorate 9/11
It's hard to fathom that the September 11 attack, an event so significant that it is seared in our national psyche, occurred 21 years ago. Today’s teens who were born after that date must be taught about 9/11 as a historical event even though its ramifications directly affect them in ways they’re likely unaware of.

PESA is proud to announce our collaboration with Global Youth Justice and Fremont High School on the second annual Never Forget 9/11 memorial event. As part of an all-day educational program sponsored by PESA, students will learn about the events of that day, reflect on the policies enacted in the wake of the tragedy and hear personal stories from community members who were impacted. 

On the Friday before 9/11, more than 100 students will come together to discuss what they have learned and know about 9/11 and hear the stories of those who lived through that day. The students will then participate in a discussion about the events of 9/11. Following this discussion, students will be invited to create paintings, drawings and poetry to express their feelings about 9-11 and those who perished that day and in the aftermath. This aspect of the program is an evidence-based art therapy component to support students as they process their emotions in a healthy manner. 

Following this reflection period, students will prepare for a mock Senate hearing in which they will participate in their classes. PESA staff will prompt students to talk about policies that were put in place after 9/11 and come up with policies that may prevent another tragedy such as this from happening again.

To continue their reflections, students will write letters to those fallen first responders who gave their lives that day to save so many others. 

Then, on Sunday, September 11, there will be a memorial ceremony to commemorate those who lost their lives that day. Attendees will be able to view the student art on exhibit, and there will be a screening of a 9/11 remembrance video. Speakers include Los Angeles Unified Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin and Marine Sergeant Major Ramiro Olmos, leader of Fremont’s ROTC program. The ROTC color guard will make a presentation, and student speakers will read the biographies of heroes who lost their lives on 9/11. The memorial will come to a close with a music performance.

If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.