Students at Sunset Ridge Middle School arrived early on Friday to honor victims of September 11, 2001, with a touching flag ceremony. Student body officers spoke to the assembled crowd about remembering the lives lost 25 years ago and raised the American flag to half-staff in honor of the victims. Following the flag ceremony, the Sunset Ridge choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before students entered school to start their day.

Thank you, Sunset Ridge students, for a moving and memorable ceremony to commemorate Patriot Day.

A patriotic and reverent atmosphere filled Westvale Elementary as the school held its annual flag retirement ceremony. Surrounded by students quietly waving miniature flags, members of the West Jordan Police Department conducted the ceremony and raised a new flag to half-staff in honor of the lives lost 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Assistant Principal Danielle Hanson spoke about the significance of remembering September 11 and led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you to the Westvale community and students for honoring Patriot Day with a touching tribute.

Students from Bingham High School and Daybreak Elementary School were among the first to tour the 9/11 Project hosted by the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. The exhibit honors and educates future generations with an immersive experience about the history and lessons of 9/11. The annual event is on display at the Bastian Agricultural Center in South Jordan until Sept 14.

Bingham High’s madrigals opened the event with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner before the first public tours began. Daybreak students were the first field trip to arrive, but over 5,000 students from Jordan School District will tour the exhibit during its run to learn more about the events of September 11, 2001. Along with the tour through the museum, students also talked with first responders from New York City who were there during the attacks and got up-close looks at local fire, police, and military vehicles.

To learn more about the 9/11 Project, visit the Major Brent Taylor Foundation 9-11-project page.

It was a once in a lifetime experience for some students, teachers, and staff in Jordan School District. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor took time out of her busy schedule to visit several schools in the District, delivering a message of inspiration, taking pride in self-worth, and civic engagement. The Justice talked about her new book “Just Shine!” encouraging students to be the very best version of themselves possible, and as the book says “how to be a better you.”

During a large assembly and Fireside Chat, Justice Sotomayor took questions from students and staff; each chosen question was met with a thoughtful, deeply reflective answer that truly resonated with the audience.

From student performances, to classroom visits, personal photos, a welcome reception soda service provided by South Valley students, and huge hugs along the way, Justice Sotomayor created memories that will last a lifetime in Jordan School District.

Thank you, Justice, for sharing your wisdom, warmth, and inspiration, and for making a difference in young lives.