Across the country, classrooms recognized the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring lives lost and the many heroic first responders. At Anderson Elementary, Mrs. Woods has spent the last 10 years teaching her students about one specific hero, Welles Crowther, a volunteer firefighter who also worked at the World Trade Center.
Students watched a documentary about Crowther, who helped lead several people to safety in the South Tower on 9/11 before ultimately losing his life while saving others. Survivors remembered a man wearing a red bandana over his face, which helped identify and name him “the man in the red bandana.”
Each student in Woods’ class received a red bandana to symbolize Crowther’s sacrifice.
“Students can relate that symbol to their daily lives. It's so much about putting others in front of ourselves, and what we are willing to give of ourselves to help those in need,” Woods said.
A quote by Crowther hangs on a wall in Woods’ classroom. “Anyone who can stand, stand now. If you can help someone, help them.” This serves as a reminder, along with the red bandanas, to always help others.
“My students will never forget this lesson,” Woods said. “They take this lesson very seriously. I'll have students bringing that red bandana every day to school for the rest of the year. That's how important it is to them.”
