Twenty-four years ago, the world watched in horror as planes struck the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. This tragic day claimed nearly 3,000 lives, forever altering the course of history. Among those lost were six individuals from Washington D.C.’s public school system, whose journey to a National Geographic conference turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
Six Lives Lost on Flight 77
Three students and three teachers were on board Flight 77, which was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. These weren’t just statistics; they were vibrant members of their community, each with unique stories and dreams. The victims included Leckie Elementary School teacher Hilda Taylor and her 11-year-old student Bernard Brown, Bertie Backus Middle School teacher Sara Clark and her 11-year-old student Asia Cottom, and Ketcham Elementary School teacher James Debeuneure and his 11-year-old student Rodney Dickens.
The students were en route to California for a special ecology study trip, a testament to their bright futures and academic promise. Their teachers, dedicated educators, were guiding them on this educational adventure. The attack at 9:37 a.m. that morning not only took everyone on the plane but also claimed the lives of 125 Pentagon employees.
Remembering Their Legacies
Even after 24 years, the memories of these six individuals remain vivid for those who knew them. Estella Cleveland, a retired Leckie Elementary teacher, shared with ABC 7 News around the 20th anniversary, “It seems like they never left us… They will always be remembered in my heart.” This sentiment echoes the enduring impact they had.
DC Public Schools shared poignant details about each victim. Asia Cottom was a new student at Backus Middle School, where her father served as a coach and classroom aide. Bernard Brown, known for his lively spirit at Leckie Elementary, was recommended for the trip as a reward for his progress. Rodney Dickens, an honor roll student at Ketcham Elementary, was a role model and a devoted pro wrestling fan.
The Teachers’ Stories
Hilda Taylor, a veteran teacher at Leckie Elementary, was a mother and grandmother who immigrated from Sierra Leone seeking a better life. James DeBeuneure, a father of three, had returned to teaching at Ketcham Elementary for his second career. Sarah Clark, who began her DCPS career in 1965, was a mother of two and was engaged at the time of the attack.
Local Tributes and Enduring Hope
In the years since, local tributes have kept their memories alive. Leckie Elementary proudly displays a banner with all six names and a stained-glass memorial for Taylor and Brown. Ketcham Elementary has a dedicated “9/11 room” for Dickens and DeBeuneure, serving as a space for quiet reflection.
Jalin Debeuneure, James DeBeuneure’s adoptive daughter, shared her journey of healing, emphasizing the importance of hope. “Someone will see this and say, ‘Wow I feel exactly how she felt but I see how she is 20 years later, there’s hope for me,’” she stated. Her message is a powerful reminder that even in the face of profound loss, healing and hope are possible.
- Three students and three teachers from DCPS were victims of the 9/11 Pentagon attack.
- They were traveling to California for a National Geographic conference.
- Victims included teachers Hilda Taylor, Sara Clark, James DeBeuneure, and students Bernard Brown, Asia Cottom, Rodney Dickens.
- Local schools and communities have established memorials to honor their lives.
- Their legacies continue to inspire hope and remembrance.
How do you remember 9/11? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.