This past Monday marked twenty-two years since the tragedies that occurred on September 11, 2001. For most of our faculty, the events of that day are seared in our memories, but for our students, it is simply a part of history. During Community on Monday, I let our students know of the school’s unique connection to 9/11 and the enduring message of good over evil that The Beech Hill School represents.
On that fateful day, BHS Founder, Emily Ricard was working in finance in the World Trade Center Complex in New York City. Fortunately, Emily was not physically harmed, but following that day, Emily was so impacted that she made a major life-change, leaving finance to become a teacher. This decision led to a chain of events that eventually culminated in the founding of The Beech Hill School.
When I shared the story of 9/11 with our students on Monday, I also shared Emily’s story. On 9/11 so much harm was inflicted on so many, but when one connects the dots, it is easy to see that the very existence of The Beech Hill School is an enduring response to the hate that fueled the perpetrators of 9/11. Every day, our students are taught to respect one another, to think critically, and to value their freedoms – so that eventually they will become “intellectually curious and capable young adults who will become contributing citizens and informed decision-makers.”
Twenty-two years later, The Beech Hill School is just weeks into its twelfth year. There is no way that Emily could have realized the enduring, and growing impact she made when the events of 9/11 inspired her to leave finance for education. As I told the students on Monday – we will never forget 9/11, nor will we ever forget The Beech Hill School’s special connection to it. Most of all, we continue to celebrate The Beech Hill School as an example of the power of good to prevail over evil.