September 11 a School-Wide Call to Action for Greenies
Christ School students, faculty join in National Day of Service and Remembrance
September 11 will forever be a somber date in American history.
With that forefront in their minds, Christ School's entire student body and faculty were called to action Tuesday for National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Greenies fanned out all around the Asheville area to lend a hand to charities, non-profit organizations, and schools.
T.J. Bell '19, comes from a military family – his father, Tom, is a retired Air Force Colonel who has spoken at Christ School about his experiences. T.J. was one of the boys assigned to work at the Veterans Restoration Clinic in east Asheville on Tuesday. The group he was with helped to restore a walking trail that runs along the Swannanoa River.
"I'm too young to remember 9-11, but I know what a traumatic event it was for so many people," T.J. said. "This really means a lot to me, especially getting to help our wounded warriors. I'm an Eagle Scout as well, and I understand (the walking trail) is going to be part of someone's project."
Elsewhere at the Restoration Quarters, Marcus Berger '19 and Will DuBose '19 filled plastic bags with flour, sugar, and spaghetti sauce. The bags will be distributed to local families in need. "I personally love helping people I don't know," Marcus said. "I don't need gratitude from a specific person, I'd rather just do good and not know who it benefits."
Tuesday began with a special service in St. Joseph's Chapel, where Father Kirk Brown and Dean of Campus Life Ron Ramsey shared their memories of 9/11. Father Brown pointed out that 9-11 also occurred on a Tuesday, and that it had been a beautiful, sunny morning in Asheville before everyone at Christ School learned the news.
Ramsey was not a Christ School faculty member at the time of the terrorist attacks 17 years ago.
"The day began like any other Tuesday for me, in a Biology lab. But it was a day that changed my life forever," Ramsey said. "What stands out now is that I learned we can never be sure what our future holds. So we need to be the best versions of ourselves no matter what. Serving others is important, and connections to people and places are the things that give life meaning."
Service is an integral part of the Christ School experience, not just Tuesday, but every day. Each Greenie is required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of service per school year. Olga Mahoney is Christ School's Director of Service Learning and coordinated Tuesday's activities.
