CTA Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Creative Technologies Academy marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a special tribute ceremony and Day of Service, bringing students together with local first responders, law enforcement and members of the military.

The annual event gave students a chance to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11 while also learning about service, sacrifice and the people who continue to serve communities today.

Firefighters from the Sand Lake, Solon and Montcalm Township fire departments attended the ceremony, along with soldiers from the U.S. Army, who brought a Humvee for students to see up close. Michigan State Police, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Walker Police Department were also in attendance.

Following the tribute, students had the opportunity to climb through fire trucks, emergency vehicles and other apparatus, ask questions and speak directly with the men and women who serve in public safety and the armed forces.

CTA Superintendent Autumn Mattson said the annual event helps students connect history with the responsibility of remembrance.

“Twenty-five years later, our students are now the generation being asked to carry the responsibility of remembering forward,” Mattson said. “Today isn’t only about teaching them what happened on September 11th, but helping them understand the courage, service, sacrifice, and care for others that followed."

For students, the day offered both a history lesson and a personal reminder of unity.

“What remembering 9/11 means to me is it’s just important to remember all the lives lost that day, and just how everyone came together as a country to support each other and help each other rebuild afterwards,” one CTA student said.

The ceremony paused as a moment of reflection for the school community, while the Day of Service gave students a hands-on way to meet the people who answer calls for help in their own communities.

“Every year we come together for our Day of Service, giving students the chance to connect with firefighters, EMTs, service members, and others who serve our communities and country,” Mattson said. “We want them not only to remember September 11th, but to understand what it means to serve others today.”

By bringing students face-to-face with firefighters, police officers, deputies, troopers and soldiers, CTA’s annual event continues to connect the memory of Sept. 11 with lessons of service, courage and community.