2023 9.11 Tribute Service Case Studies

9.11 Tribute Service Case Studies ~ 2023 ~

to honor & remember in support of

Case Study Priya Kaur, Newburyport Class of 2021

My Project focused on: Honor heroes from nearby towns with a Tribute Stone Garden that can be expanded on year after year Observe the National Moment of Silence at school

Project Overview: I committed to designing 5 stones and proposed the idea of placing the stones in the heart of the school courtyard to my principal. Through discussion, we branched our tribute stone garden further by providing anyone in the school the opportunity to decorate stones in honor of someone they admire for their service to our nation.

My Motivation: I remember the stories that my teachers shared, some present in the moment of the tragedy while others watched behind the tv screen. I also remember watching the first account taping of the 9.11 attacks and the feeling of my heart sinking to my stomach at the scenes. For me, I am inspired by the acts of selfless bravery to protect each other in times of disaster.

Jumpstarting Service: I found brainstorming and journaling my ideas and plans for service to be more than helpful when it came time to initiate. Once I finalized the direction of my project (while being flexible to changes), I connected with my principal through email explaining my project and seeking his interest and assistance. I reserved a meeting time and created a general meeting plan for the topics I wanted to talk about which helps when it comes to public speaking, especially if you are new to the location and the people.

Engaging your High School in Service: I constructed a presentation to be shared with the entire school that provided guidelines to decorating stones and highlighted the objective of the garden, which was to honor and share gratitude to the sacrifices of our heroes.

Then my principal and I set up a table in our cafeteria for students to decorate stones and place them in the Tribute Stone Garden. I was monitoring the process, ensuring that the questions of the students were answered and encouraging friends to get creative while honoring heroes.

Service Impact: I believe the impact of my service continues through the establishment of a tribute garden around the peace sign of the courtyard, providing students a safe and comfortable place to honor and remember the heroes that influence their lives. Although I can't remember the exact amount of students participating, I remember the joy and concentration on the participants’ faces as they designed personalized stones to demonstrate their love and gratitude in a tangible object preserved in peace.

Keys to Success: It is never too late to start: Whenever an idea comes to mind for a service project, I always write it down in my notes or in my journal in case I want to use that idea later in my service.

Communication: Practice your speech to prepare for your presentation. Hopefully in the process you will gain a better understanding of your own ideas and it can help when you present to a group of unfamiliar people.

Community: When building a team for service projects, I always seek people with similar values as me for service. I am currently involved with my school club that focuses on service in my hometown aiding anyone in need so I often seek out the instructor to help me through my service projects. Don't hesitate to reach to your resources for help or clarification.

Leadership Skills Gained: Flexibility: As we resumed our school life like how it was prior to the pandemic but with masks and social distancing, I understood that the transition was stressful and scheduled my plans with my principal according to his availablility and recognized that parts of the project may need to be adjusted.

Confidence: I built my confidence to approach people for service ideas and express myself in other spaces.

Sharing Wisdom:

Let your heart guide you, let your mind construct it.

Case Study vanston ly, Quincy Class of 2021

My Project focused on: Expressing gratitude to Quincy first responders

Project Overview: For my Tribute Service project, I demonstrated gratitude for my city's first responders. On September 11th, my parents and I visited Quincy's police headquarters and dropped off water and baked treats and shared gratitude for the officers' service. I also made gratitude posters for the department and all first responders.

My Motivation: As a person that loves learning about history, September 11th, 2001 has always been a day that has brought me great sadness. Even though I was not alive on that day, I can envision the pain that the events of that day brought to those directly affected and the entire country. I felt that the least I could do to show my gratitude to my community's first responders who are constantly putting themselves at risk in order to protect citizens was to visit them and personally thank them.

Jumpstarting Service: I am so grateful to my parents for their help with my Tribute Service project. First, I made a plan of action with my mother. We discussed what would be the most effective way to demonstrate gratitude while staying within our capabilities. After we had made the decision to visit the police headquarters, she and I carried out our plan. First, she went out to the supermarket and bought several trays of baked treats as well as cases of water a few days before September 11th. Then, I made the posters that I would give to the department. My mother assisted me with design and decoration. On September 11th, my father drove my mother and I to the police department, where we presented the gifts to the officers who were present, who accepted them on behalf of the entire department.

Service Impact: On September 11th, I was able to satisfy my police department's sweet tooth! The treats and water that I gifted to the department were shared among all of its officers for their enjoyment.

Keys to Success: Work within your capabilities! Make sure that your project works for you! Especially if it involves money and/or transportation, make sure to talk with your family beforehand.

Make a plan! This will streamline your work and keep your project's timeline neat.

Kindly reach out for help! Your project might be overwhelming for you to carry out on your own. As a result, kindly reach out for help, whether from family members, friends, or your community. Together, you can work incredibly efficiently and have fun as well! (Don't forget to show them your gratitude after the conclusion of service!)

Leadership Skills Gained: Empathy: Tribute Service allowed me to truly appreciate the work that our communities' first responders perform on a daily basis.

Project planning: Tribute Service allowed me to be independent and lead a project from the planning stage to the execution stage.

Communication: Tribute Service allowed me to reach out to my city's first responders and express my ideas and feelings of gratitude.

Turning Challenge into Opportunity

Sharing Wisdom:

I reached out to several first responder sites in the city to see which one I could visit. At first, I called several of Quincy's fire stations, but I did not receive a reply. Then, I called Quincy's police headquarters, and when they said that I was free to stop by any time on September 11th, I decided that that would be the site of my service.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Don't be afraid! Whether reaching out to your community's first responders or your school community, have confidence in yourself and your strengths! You will find that when you open up with others they will often respond with great insight and enthusiasm.

Case Study Paige Martino, Lynnfield Class of 2021

My Project focused on: Connect with community members to honor a local hero through the creation of a Tribute Stone Garden

Project Overview: I chose to honor Garnet "Ace" Bailey, a beloved resident of Lynnfield and Boston Bruins legend, who tragically lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. With the help of friends, family, and dedicated community members, I organized the creation of a Tribute Stone Garden which included rocks painted with words of love, hope, and admiration honoring Ace’s legacy. I felt that a Stone Garden was a unique way to educate the young people of my community not only about the day itself, but how a small town such as Lynnfield was connected to such a significant day in American history.

My Motivation: Neighbors and town selectmen always praiseAce for his kindness, charisma, compassion, and dedication to his own kind of service. I learned that he was someone to be remembered, not just for his athletic legacy, but for his focus on the well-being of pediatric patients at Tufts Children’s Hospital. This inspired me to make honoring Ace’s legacy central to my Tribute Service.

Jumpstarting Service: I knew I needed to unite my community and show others the importance of leading with kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. To do this, I reached out to town officials to confirm that Lynnfield was hosting its own 9/11 First Responder’s Day, and then began contacting community groups to help paint stones in honor of Ace.

Leadership Skills Gained: Active Listening: Active listening helps you make connections between your team’s ideas, hear different perspectives, and prevent misunderstandings. When everyone feels respected, everyone feels heard.

Collaboration: Working collaboratively with people who bring different skill sets and backgrounds to the table allows you to learn from others' experiences and strengthen your service.

Organization: By outlining your objectives, creating todo lists, and marking down any due dates or deadlines, you can boost your productivity while reducing stress as you lead service.

Engaging your Hometown in Service: I proposed my service project to my school principal and art teacher, who willingly embraced my goal to engage students in painting rocks and grow the Tribute Stone Garden. I also engaged the local Scout Troops and personally delivered rocks and paint supplies to the homes of family and friends.

At the 9.11 First Responder's Day event, I set up a crafting table where community members could unite in service and paint their own tribute stones.

Service Impact: Over 150 tribute stones were crafted by Lynnfield community members, and the event was covered by two local newspapers! However, what was most meaningful to me was when I noticed a woman reflecting on a bench next to the Tribute Stone Garden at the end of 9.11 First Responder's Day. When she discovered that it was my project, she introduced herself as Katherine Bailey, the beloved wife of Ace Bailey. She said although 9.11 will always be a tragic day, she was moved to tears by the compassion of myself and Lynnfield residents. After talking for more than an hour about her husband’s love of his community and family, especially children, this chance encounter affirmed our Project 351 belief that service unites.

Keys to Success: Clear Goals: Setting goals allows you to focus on the tasks at hand, measure progress, and stay motivated.

Communication: Communication allows for close relationships, effective self-expression, and clear understanding among your leadership team.

Gratitude: It's easy to get caught up in the impact of service, so be sure to begin and end in gratitude for those who aided you along the way.

Sharing Wisdom: Remember that through your service, you can act as a change agent and demonstrate to your community that young leaders possess the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Your example as an Ambassador inspires others’ commitment to lead.

Case Study Amari Sharma, Needham Class of 2019

My Project focused on: Honoring and remembering Fallen Heroes with a Tribute Stone garden at the Needham War Memorial

Project Overview: For my project, I designed and made tribute stones to commemorate Fallen Heroes from Massachusetts. I worked with my friends to paint the stones, and on the morning of 9.11 I placed them on the war memorial at Memorial Field in Needham, during sunrise, and took a brief moment of silence for those lost in battle and in service.

My Motivation: Since elementary school I have heard about and learned about the attacks on September 11th, 2001. After talking to a lot of my family, I learned how many individuals remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when the attacks happened. This showed me how impacted the entire nation was as a result of this horrible event. I wanted to be able to show my gratitude to those who have continued to protect our nation and have fought endlessly, sacrificing their lives for the safety of our country.

Jumpstarting Service: I am a very creative person, so I wanted to find a way to combine my creativity with service. I picked Tribute Stones, as I could be artistic while still making an impact and paying tribute to lives lost. I have many friends who have been endless support systems for me, and were happy to help with my service. It helped to feel supported by them and by my family, who were all so proud of my commemoration to these individuals.

Engaging your High School in Service: I was able to gather a group of my closest friends and engage them in service. They were more than happy to learn more about the individuals who lost their lives, as well as to paint rocks. It helped give them a chance to learn more about the ways they can make a difference and impact in their own community, and I am so grateful I was able to inspire them to want to participate in more service projects.

Service Impact: I was able to make over 20 stones with 9 Fallen Heroes commemorated on them. I engaged my community by inspiring them to lead service and take part in paying tribute to such an important and impactful date in our nation. Additionally, my school found out about the service project that I had led and I had several teachers recognize the project and how inspiring it was.

Keys to Success: Gain support from the people around you! Your friends and family will always be of support for anything you do!

Use the skills you have as a person in your service. If you’re a creative person, make your service project reflect that.

Do your research before! Learn about the topic and/or people you are paying tribute to, that way you feel more of a connection when commemorating them.

Leadership Skills Gained:

Communication: I learned that in order to get everyone really involved in the project, I needed to be constantly communicating ideas and getting their feedback and also being open to suggestions!

Reaching out: I gained more confidence in asking for help. It can be easy to want to do projects on your own, but I learned that the support system around me wants to help and is a great resource for anything I need.

Using YOUR skills: Every single person has skills or aspects of themselves they are proud of. As an outgoing, creative person, I learned that my service and tributes need to reflect not only the topic and people, but also a bit of myself!

Sharing Wisdom:

Any small act of tribute to 9.11 is an inspiration to others and to our nation. Project 351 teaches us to have gratitude for our community, and your community has gratitude for you for your service.

Case Study Griffin Michalak, Sturbridge Class of 2018 My Project focused on: Moment of Silence to honor and remember those who were lost on 9.11 Collect care package donations for veterans and troops Fundraise in support of MMHF

Project Overview: My friends and I collected care package donations and fundraised at our local Stop & Shop! We stood outside the front entrance and handed out flyers to customers walking in. They could purchase the donations from the wish list while they were shopping, then drop them off as they exited. Additionally, I worked with my principal to arrange a Moment of Silence at our school on September 11th.

My Motivation:

Every year, I honor and remember Lt. Joshua L. Booth through my Tribute Service projects. He was a student at my school, Tantasqua, before he joined the Marines and bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in Iraq in 2006.

Jumpstarting Service: I was lucky enough to have a few Project 351 Alumni in my town who worked with me to plan my project and answer any questions I had. They helped me begin the process by proof-reading the emails I sent to my school principal and the Stop & Shop manager to get permission for the events we hoped to run. It was a great way to get to know the Alums in my region while having fun spreading the joy of service!

Engaging your High School in Service: I reached out to my school’s chapter of National Junior Honor Society, whose advisor allowed me to send an email requesting volunteers. I also reached out to several of my friends!

Sharing Wisdom: Go for it! It’s not going to be perfect at first, but that’s a natural part of anything. Get started and work out the kinks later.

Service Impact: We engaged roughly 30 volunteers, consisting of students, teachers, and community members! And that’s not counting the hundreds of people who donated at Stop & Shop! We collected over $500 in monetary donations, as well as over 1000 total food donations. It was incredible to see so many members of the community working toward the same goal.

Keys to Success: Communication: It’s essential to make sure you communicate efficiently and clearly to your audiences, especially when writing. It’s important to be organized and visionary, which will greatly increase your chances of gaining volunteers. It’s also equally important to always be positive and kind!

Proactivity: It’s important to start as early as possible. Especially when running a service project new to you, things can sometimes take longer than anticipated. Nobody’s perfect, and that’s completely normal, which is why allowing yourself time to make mistakes and learn from them can be helpful. It’s important to plan out when you will complete your tasks to allow people enough time to respond, and ensure your project can be as successful as possible!

Leadership Skills Gained: Public speaking: I spent several hours speaking to strangers at a grocery store, which taught me many communication skills, including exhibiting positivity and confidence to maximize the amount of donations and quality of service.

Program management: I worked closely with my school and community members, consistently communicating with them to ensure the success of our project. I learned so much about planning and communicating logistics to ensure everyone was on the same page about our service!

Case Study Madison OxnarD & Margot Sonia, Lancaster Class of 2018 & 2021 Our Project focused on: Invite our school community to contribute to a Tribute Stone Garden Organize a moment of silence at school Extend gratitude to troops and veterans with care package donations and thank you cards

Project Overview:

Engaging your High School in Service:

In addition to organizing a moment of silence, we started a rock garden at our high school and encouraged our peers - both students and staff - to add their own rocks to the garden to make it as meaningful as possible.

Volunteers were encouraged to choose at least one person to honor from a provided sheet and to learn a bit about the person to whom their rock was dedicated. In a little over a week, over 100 stones had been made and placed in the tribute garden. We also collected household items such as coffee, toothpaste, and gift cards at the local library to be sent to veterans and troops. And, for three years, we have supplied blank cards and art supplies to kids at Sterling Martial Arts for them to make "Thank You" cards.

We encouraged the school community to select a 9.11 victim to honor with a memorial stone and put up flyers around the school which featured a QR code with a link to a spreasheet, which volunteers could use to select their tribute(s). Students and staff who learned of the project while at school told their families of how 9.11 victims were being honored, and we received many messages of gratitude as well as inquiries to if a person close to them was being honored. This level of engagement by the community spread the impact of our project greatly.

Our Motivation: Despite neither of us being alive in 2001, we felt that it was important to spread respect in our community for the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11th. Our Tribute Service was our way to pass on the inspiration that began with the sacrifices of hundreds of service workers on 9.11. Our service was dedicated to them and the pain they went through in assistance to our country. Our town has a rich history of people who have served in the military and it is a cause close to many of our neighbors' hearts, so we find these projects to be a unifying force.

Jumpstarting Service: As an Alumni and Ambassador from the same town, we often brainstorm ideas with each other and try thinking outside the box before we decide on action steps. Maddie proposed the idea for the Memorial Garden and we started planning on how to make it a reality. Fortunately our principal was extremely supportive when we walked her through our plan. We also had support from many educators who helped engage students across the school, as well as the Library Staff and Selectmen who are always eager to learn about Project 351 and the projects we are involved in.

Service Impact:

We engaged over 50 students through the rock garden, collecting about 100 rocks. We were able to engage the whole school (1,000 students) with the National Moment of Silence, and collected over 50 items in our drive.

Keys to Success: "Why": Conversations with adults on the meaning of our projects and making connections through the cause was pivotal to increasing engagement Reflection: Having a well thought out plan to present to possible supporters led to greater support Inspiration: Developing an understanding of what Project 351 is in our community made people feel inspired and motivated to get involved

Leadership Skills Gained:

Confidence: Public speaking has always given me anxiety, but when I was able to talk freely about such an impactful event, I felt confident and like a true leader for my community.

Active Listening: Having conversations and learning to listen to one another's stories can make your project that much stronger.

Sharing Wisdom: There may be times when you feel like you are too young to be a leader; we are here to tell you that you are a better leader because you are young. Develop a strong why. Lean on others for support. Give yourself space to grow.