At the October 14th Board of Education meeting, several Hauppauge High School students shared reflections on their powerful visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, which took place on September 18th. This meaningful experience was previously featured in a September article highlighting the trip’s educational and emotional impact.
The visit, generously sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation, provided students with transportation, admission, and meals, allowing them to explore the museum in depth at no cost.
Presenting at the meeting were Isabella Calcagni, Nicole Florio, and Calvin Ni accompanied by Director of Social Studies and World Languages Kelly Barry and teacher Ms. Elizabeth Burkhard.
Students described the experience as deeply impactful, noting that while they had learned about 9/11 in school, touring the museum brought an entirely new level of understanding. Guided tours offered insight and personal stories they wouldn’t have discovered on their own — including accounts of survivors and the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others.
They shared how seeing artifacts like vehicles recovered from Ground Zero, personal items, and survivor interviews provided perspective and emotional connection beyond the classroom. “It gave us a perspective we could never get from a textbook,” one student shared.
Moved by the students’ reflections, the Board of Education voted unanimously to make the 9/11 Memorial and Museum visit an annual trip. The district plans to allocate funds in future budgets to ensure more students can take part in this valuable learning experience, while also encouraging fundraising efforts to give back to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
This experience stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of learning beyond the classroom. It is a profound example of experiential education that fosters empathy, reflection, and understanding among Hauppauge students as they honor the stories and sacrifices of September 11th.