9/11 Field Trip Highlights Empathy

After being online for a year and a half, THS students hit the town last week. Through their U.S. history classes, juniors traveled around the Torrington community to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with live presentations.

A local organization known as ASAP! funded this learning experience, which took place at Five Points Arts Gallery, the Torrington Public Library, and Coe Park.  At each location, students were able to hear from speakers who all shared a special connection to 9/11. Mike Fix, long-time resident of Torrington, spoke about the many people he knew personally who perished in the towers. 

Linda Miller shared her experiences as a Muslim-American educator during a time when people made unfair generalizations. Finally, Don Bracken presented his artwork that reflected upon 9/11.

This field trip took a special emphasis on empathy and unity. THS History teacher Patrick Richardson, who attended the trip, felt that this live interaction was extremely valuable: “[The students can] really understand how it impacted people’s lives and understand how to process tragedy.”

Assistant Principal Leanne Maguire was also enthusiastic about the trip, saying it was “such a gift for so many students to...actually go on a field trip after not being able to in a year-and-a-half.”

The day wrapped up with the students working in small groups to make a flag that represented their feelings about their experience. These banners will soon be hung up in THS to appreciate the work of the Junior class.