Students Give Back to Local First Responders

On Sept. 11, the nation will pause to remember the 15th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Many ceremonies, memorials and special programs will be held to remember the lives lost; and at Roberta Tipps Elementary School, students and staff commemorated the day by showing their appreciation for local first responders.

Students enjoyed passing out drinks and cards
to the first responders.

Tipps Elementary held its fourth annual Patriot Day event on Friday, Sept. 9. Local police officers, firefighters and military personnel came to the campus to receive free water, sports drinks and snacks. Organizers say it was the least they could do to show their gratitude.

“As educators, it’s our responsibility to instill a sense of community within our students,” said Principal Cristina Hernandez. “What better way than to say ‘thank you’ to our public servants who protect us every single day.”

Students and staff stood in front of the school from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. to hand out the beverages and personally thank the men and women in uniform. First responders who attended said it meant a lot to see the community give back.

Sgt. Robertson was overwhelmed by
the amount of gifts he received.

“It really is touching that they care in that way to provide those things to us,” said Sgt. Eric Robertson with the Mansfield ISD Police Department. “We had stacks of sports drinks to bring back with us, and that will help all of our officers throughout the year.”

Although the students at Roberta Tipps weren’t even alive during the attacks back on Sept. 11, 2001, events like this will continue teaching the next generation to never forget.

View a list of what other MISD schools are doing to commemorate 9/11 here.