Service Learning student Abby Nielson puts a Patriots Day poster up in the commons area of Mapleton Junior High.

Last Friday was the anniversary of September 11, 2001, a dark day in the nation's history. On that date, a group of terrorists hijacked four planes and flew two of them into the Twin Towers and one into the Pentagon. Many lost loved ones that day, and the whole world was in mourning. Now, eight years later, many still remember where they were and what they were doing on that day when they heard the news.

In remembrance of all those who died, Mapleton Junior High had a special day; Patriots Day. It was a day devoted to patriotism and showing respect for those who lost their lives in the tragedy of that day. On September 11th, students wore patriotic clothing. The Service Learning class at MJHS made posters, announcements, and gave out bubble gum coins to kids who were being patriotic. Many classes had conversations about what happened that day. Students shared stories about what they remembered, close calls they heard about, and where their loved ones were. They realized that many aspects of their lives were changed forever.