Jessica Cappadona understands her responsibility as a history teacher to convey the events and aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to students with “care and accuracy.”
At Monmouth County Vocational School District’s Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), Cappadona has moved through teaching about Sept. 11 as a shared experience with students to an important moment in history. She is aware that although the students did not live through the attacks, they feel connected as Monmouth County residents.
Cappadona recently participated in the Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Science Overlook, presented by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with other federal, state, county and local officials, as well as family members and loved ones of the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives.
“I have learned that no in-class lesson can compare to the experience of physically visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan. I bring my students to the museum every year and each visit leaves a lasting impact,” said Cappadona. “For my students, the history is personal and has deep roots in Monmouth County. My students leave with a stronger sense of civic responsibility, a deeper understanding of community, and an understanding of why we honor those we lost on that day and continue to lose as a result of that day.”
At MAST, Cappadona’s students all participate in the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). This further informs her teaching, especially 25 years after the attacks. She aims to ensure students understand what happened and how the nation came together to respond; she urges them to never overlook that day.
In Monmouth County, the Board of Commissioners has taken great care to ensure local victims of the Sept. 11 attacks are never forgotten. During this year’s 25th anniversary Memorial Ceremony, the Commissioners presented the 25 Years of Remembrance Tree that will be planted at Mount Mitchill.
“This symbol of strength was inspired by the Survivor Tree that was discovered in the rubble of Ground Zero in October 2001. The tree was damaged but, just like American resolve, rose above the ashes and debris to provide hope for Americans throughout the Country,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.