On September 11th, 2024, The Village School’s day did not end with the final bell. Instead, students gathered at the foot of the stairwell and in the weight room to participate in the 9/11 Tower Challenge, held in memory of the firefighters who gave their lives during the attacks of September 11th, 2001.
The 9/11 stair climb is an annual tradition, done by people all over the country, where individuals gather together on September 11th to climb 112 flights of stairs, symbolizing the number of floors in the twin towers that first responders had to climb with 40 pounds of equipment on their backs to save lives.
The first 9/11 stair climb challenge was held two years after the attacks on September 11, 2003 in Parwan Province, Afghanistan, by Lieutenant Charles Cogburn. When Lt. Cogburn returned to the U.S. in 2004, he continued this memorial challenge at the Albuquerque Fire Station, establishing this annual memorial event in the U.S. 2024 marks 20 years of the Albuquerque Firefighters Memorial Stair Climb, which has inspired people worldwide to partake in this tradition.
2024 marked the first annual 9/11 Tower Challenge hosted at The Village School, organized by students Joseph Conjusteau and Colin Nguyen. Inspired by the stair climbs held across the nation, Conjusteau and Nguyen wanted to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by first responders during 9/11. Adding their own unique twist, they gave participants the option to do either 112 flights of stairs or complete 343 repetitions of an exercise of their choosing in the weight room. Each option respectively represents the total stories in the Twin Towers and the number of first responders who gave up their lives.
Students participated in this challenge for a variety of reasons. Some wanted to test their physical abilities, while others aimed to better understand the demanding physical conditions firefighters endured during their rescue efforts. “I enjoyed it because it was a test of my abilities… and I could contribute to a great cause at the same time.” Said senior, Veer Garg. Garg also expressed how he feels his generation is disconnected with the significance of 9/11 because they had not been born yet, but this challenge helped him gain a better understanding of the bravery of first responders.
The 9/11 Tower Challenge at The Village School was more than just a test of physical endurance–it was a powerful tribute to the courage of 9/11’s first responders. By connecting a younger generation to the significance of 9/11, Conjusteau and Nguyen created a successful event that not only raised money but also spread awareness. With plans to make this challenge an annual tradition, The Village School community hopes to continue honoring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives, ensuring that their courage and legacy are never forgotten.
References
Shaw, S. (2024, September 11). NFFF 9/11 memorial stair climbs on the rise. Firehouse. https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/article/55138302/national-fallen-firefighters-foundation-nfff-9-11-memorial-stair-climbs-on-the-rise
Weebly. (n.d.). 9/11 Stair Climb History. OKC Stair Climb. https://www.okcstairclimb.com/history.html#:~:text=9%2F11%20Stair%20Climb%20History,helmet%20and%20an%20M%2D4.
