Posted September 2022

This September marks 21 years since nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans lost their lives in the September 11th attacks. In honor of that day, the nation recognizes 9/11 as Patriot Day, a time of service and remembrance for those we lost. Several schools in Kyrene School District hosted Patriot Day assemblies to show their appreciation for military members and first responders who keep our communities, neighborhoods, and schools safe.

On Friday, September 9, the parking lot of Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy in Ahwatukee transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue-clad students carrying American flags. Students and staff surrounded the school flagpole early in the morning for a special flag-raising ceremony. Students greeted guests with performances of patriotic songs, including I’m Proud to Be an American. Guests of honor included members of the military, police officers, firefighters, and veterans. 

C.I. Waggoner in Tempe also held a touching tribute Friday morning. Students and staff dressed in school spirit shirts and students in each grade level presented members of the Tempe Police and Fire departments (including a few K-9 officers) with larger-than-life artwork to show their appreciation for their service.

The Kyrene Monte Vista community gathered in their school’s amphitheater where students and staff performed spirited renditions of classic patriotic songs, including This Land Is Your Land, made complete with choreographed hand movements to illustrate each verse of the song. Students handed out homemade thank you notes to the honored guests in attendance.

Thank you to all our Kyrene staff and community who took the time to support our students and schools at these meaningful Patriot Day ceremonies.