PPEP TEC High School in San Luis holds first 9/11 memorial stair climb
SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) - Students at PPEP TEC High School's Cesar Chavez Learning Center in San Luis took part in the school's first-ever 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honoring the lives lost during the September 11 attacks and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The event was held in partnership with the San Luis Police and Fire Departments and was designed to give students an opportunity to learn about an important moment in American history while connecting with the public safety officials who serve their community.
Paulina Gonzalez Gastelum, an English Language Development teacher at PPEP TEC, said organizers wanted students to recognize the sacrifices made by first responders and build a stronger relationship with local public safety officials.
"We're hoping that after this experience, after having the connection with the police department and the fire department, they're more open to him and to everyone in the community," Gonzalez Gastelum said. "We want them to be able to recognize the sacrifice of others. We wanted them to thank our first responders."
Many of the students at the school are new to the United States, making the memorial an opportunity to introduce them to the history and significance of 9/11.
San Luis Police Chief Nigel Reynoso said it was important to continue sharing the story of 9/11 with younger generations.
"It's something that we want to continue to remember," Reynoso said. "A lot of people, especially the students at the school, they weren't alive that day. So it's something that we need to make sure we let our new generations that were never part of it, aware of what happened on that day."
For Reynoso, the anniversary also carries a personal connection. He was serving in the Marines and stationed in Okinawa when the attacks happened. He said the military quickly went from preparing for war to being at war.
San Luis Fire Chief Angel Ramirez said the tragedy can also serve as a lesson about unity.
"I know it was a terrible event that happened in the United States, but use it as a teachable moment," Ramirez said. "Where just because we had that tragedy, we can learn from it and become more together. Become one. Because if we all come together, we can achieve more."
School officials hope the first memorial stair climb can become an annual tradition, continuing to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 while strengthening the relationship between students and the first responders who serve San Luis.
