Minutes. In minutes one of New York’s mightiest symbols was a smoldering wreck and the United States’ image of invincibility was found to be a lie. As the World Trade Center crumpled and the streets filled with chilling screams and pandemonium, the smoke blotted out the sun and immersed Manhattan in darkness. One wasn’t enough; there was another shock to digest – a Kamikaze attack on the Pentagon.

Yet on the streets of New York and Washington, there was no time for finger pointing—no talk of revenge. Police officers, firefighters, civilians were at risk and dying. We did, thank God, pull together to prevent the situation from getting worse than it already was. And we did a good job of helping those in need.

The attacks were called the second Pearl Harbor, which up until now had been our darkest hour. President Bush addressed the nation and Mayor Giuliani tried to calm his city. Stores were opened for business the very next day. And why shouldn’t they? This is the United States of America, and we are going to prove to the rest of the world that America is going to overcome this. The terrorists failed to destroy us as a nation, but we did learn the hard way.

What we witnessed on September 11, 2001 was history, and we will remember in crystal-clear detail what we were doing at 8:51 A.M. when the first plane crashed into the North Tower. We will be amazed that we didn’t think it was ever possible. God Bless the families and friends of those whose lives were taken.

The unprecedented outpouring of affection and generosity around the world, including that of Metuchen citizens, is helping to reduce the devastation of September 11, 2001. MHS students and faculty are leading community efforts in response to the disaster.

The high school has demonstrated its American pride. On the Friday following the attacks, all students were encouraged to wear red, white and blue. People came to school wearing flag bandannas in their hair, jeans and red T-shirts. Some students even carried flags throughout the day. In the morning, flag pins were distributed. Donations were collected for relief efforts, especially for those in New York City. People were seen wearing the pins and other lapels on their shirts, jackets, and even backpacks.  

Candles were lit by families all over at 7 P.M. on the 14th. Metuchen residents stood on their front porches, candles in hand, reflecting in a moment of silence.  Students went downtown that night and lit candles in remembrance of the deaths caused by the attacks.  Around the trees on Main Street, candles of all colors, sizes and shapes flickered.  Two teens held up a handmade poster at a popular hangout, Lucca’s coffee shop, that read, “Beep If You Love America. Practically every passing car responded. Everyone was proud to be an American and was not afraid to show it.

Students have also helped collect necessities for emergency workers at the World Trade Center site.  The Student Council collected water bottles, gum, throat lozenges and socks for the rescue workers at Ground Zero.  

The Key Club provided containers for monetary donations. They were placed in each classroom. All money collected was sent to the 911 Fund for the Victims of Terrorism.  

The cheerleaders pitched in by selling raffle tickets for “Pie a Cheerleader.”  People bought chances to shove a pie in a cheerleader’s face at the half-time show of the Homecoming football game.  All money was donated to relief efforts.  Also, money from this year’s Homecoming Dance was donated to New York City victims.  Many students participated in any way they could.

MHS hosted an inter-faith memorial service on Sunday, September 16, 2001.  A wide range of religions was represented, including Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Jews and Muslims.  Numerous students and families united in prayer for peace and healing.  The packed, moving ceremony ended with a candle lighting circle on the school’s front soccer field.  Additionally, local churches, temples, synagogues and mosques held prayer vigils.

These are but a few examples of the remarkable kindness exhibited by people in Metuchen. While the horrors of September 11, 2001 haunt us all, let us continue to join together.  I encourage everyone to assist in helping the victims, their families, friends and emergency workers at the World Trade Center.  “Overcome, and God Bless America.”

Have you looked around MHS and seen some new faces? This school year brings MHS some additional staff members, including a new math and science department head, three teachers, and two student teachers, Mr. Yang (social studies) and Mr. Lothian (biology).

Mr. Economou joins the world languages department; he teaches Spanish. In the English department, there is Mr. Cennamo. The new social studies teacher is Mr. Wright; he will also be advising the yearbook. The new math and science department head is Ms. Lovell.

Finally, at the front desk, Mrs. Pray’s radiant blonde hair and air of authority will greet you. We wish them all a productive year.

Due to the September 11^th crisis, the decision as to what fall play to perform this year was an undoubtedly easy one to make. The fall play is called Working, based on a book by Studs Turkle, who interviewed all kinds of workers. The book is made up mostly of their words, and the monologues and songs clearly reflect that.

What led to this decision? Mrs. Ryan says, “It just seemed to feel right to have a play that gives tribute to workers. Even in the summer, with the economy the way it was, it seemed appropriate. Then, when the events of September 11^th took place, I thought, ‘absolutely—this is the right play.’” She goes on to describe the fall play as a “Footlighters’ tribute” to the workers and victims involved with the World Trade Center disaster.

The performance will not only be unique in topic, but it is also the first musical that will be done in the fall. Musicals require more money, and usually the audience is smaller in the fall than in the spring. However, since the play relates to the tragedy that has occurred, more people are expected to attend. Opening night is set for November 16^th. Mrs. Ryan adds, “I’m very excited about this. I really felt very frustrated with the World Trade Center, as we all did, and wanted to do something. So I put all my sadness and energy into this project.”