September 11, 2025—Across all Cobb Schools, students, teachers, and District leaders took time to remember the tragedy of what happened on the fateful day of September 11, 2001, a day that shook the entire nation.

Whether it was a moment of silence, a ceremony, or a conversation with a local first responder, students and teachers across Cobb Schools paused and reflected on the importance of never forgetting what happened on 9/11 and Patriot Day.

 Teaching a younger generation

Teasley Elementary School was just one of the many schools across the District that encouraged students to dress up in red, white, and blue. 

While all of those students weren't born yet, it proved to be an opportunity for families to have open and honest conversations with them as they learned more about the history that took place 24 years ago. 

"Thank you for helping other people, and thank you for helping rescue other people," said 2nd grader Henley, describing what she would tell those first responders who bravely helped save lives that day. 

Some Teasley students praised the courage and commitment of all the first responders who helped save lives on that day, so much so that they're now considering a career dedicated to helping others after learning about the sacrifices so many made. 

"I want to be a pilot because I'm in the planes and flying them. I know a lot about it. And, a firefighter because I just like helping people," said 5th grader Bradley.

A moment to remember 

Kennesaw Mountain High School and Hillgrove High School also took time to remember 9/11 with the help of their JROTC cadets, who led each school's ceremony.

"I'm starting to see even more patriotism. It's just a bigger turnout, so that's what motivates me to do it. We hammer home why it's important by showing documentaries before this and why it's important. This gets bigger and bigger every year, and next year we might even have to use the football field," said retired U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Matthew McLean, who is the naval science instructor at KMHS. 

This somber anniversary is different for every student, especially KMHS freshman Jaden. 

Jaden's dad is a hospital corpsman in the Navy serving overseas on active duty in Japan. Over the years, his dad has spoken to him about 9/11 and the significance of understanding its history. The Kennesaw Mountain student said it's what compelled him to join JROTC and why he wants to enlist in the years to come. 

"I just want to show some respect to the American people, the American flag, and to those who died on this day on September 11th, 2001, on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania," said Jaden. 

According to GySgt. McClean, the JROTC program has continued to grow, with more than 90 students serving for the first time in several years. 

Like Kennesaw Mountain, Hillgrove is already looking ahead to how the school will remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 next year. At Hillgrove, Cobb Schools Board member Brad Wheeler spoke to students during their ceremony. 

"I can remember being at McEachern High School when the news came over the television. So today, let's honor the victims by being the best versions of ourselves and show courage, compassion, and unity, and let's never forget," said Mr. Wheeler. 

Understanding the sacrifice over at Pope High School and Wheeler High School, students participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, which allows someone to simulate only a fraction of what it was like for first responders to climb up dozens of flights of stairs in an effort to save others. 

"This is really important to me. I love that our school offers this," said Paige, a Pope High School student. 

It's an event that also gives students and staff the chance to interact with firefighters from across Cobb County, as they learn to gain a better appreciation for the sacrifices first responders make, along with the courage it takes every day to do their job. 

Cobb Schools Board member John Cristadoro, who is a veteran himself and a son of a U.S. Army veteran, also participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Pope. 

"This is an amazing opportunity, and I think it should spread county-wide. This is such an awesome way to remember what happened and pay respect to those we lost, and those who work every day to keep us safe," shared Mr. Cristadoro.