Southeast Academy High School student cadets commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with a special remembrance ceremony honoring the victims, families, first responders, military personnel, and others whose lives were forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001.
Held September 11 at the John Glenn High School Football Stadium, the student-led ceremony paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives while reflecting on the courage, service, resilience, and unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.
The ceremony included a presentation of colors, the National Anthem, opening remarks, moments of reflection, and a ceremonial flag-folding tribute recognizing the victims and heroes of September 11.
A special part of the program was the performance of the National Anthem by Southeast Academy alumnus Elliott McKenzie, who attended the school from 2001 to 2002. Following his service in the United States Marine Corps, McKenzie pursued a career as an R&B singer and songwriter and has performed the National Anthem more than 200 times for major sports organizations.
“The 25th anniversary of September 11 reminds us that the impact of that day extends far beyond the lives lost,” said Master Sergeant Marty Schafer, Director of Southeast Academy High School. “We remember the public servants and military personnel who answered the call to serve, the innocent victims who never came home, and the thousands of children whose lives were forever changed by the loss of a parent. Through this ceremony, our student cadets help ensure that their stories, sacrifices, and legacies are never forgotten.”
Community members, veterans, public safety personnel, students, families, and local leaders joined Southeast Academy cadets for the observance.
For the cadets, the ceremony also served as an opportunity to connect history with the values emphasized at Southeast Academy of leadership, service, responsibility, and civic engagement. Through their participation, students helped ensure that a defining moment in American history, and the people whose lives were changed by it, continued to be remembered by a new generation.
