Last Thursday, September 11, was the 24th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center towers. The WHS Cross Country team hosted its fourth Stair Climb Challenge, an annual event which pays tribute to the 343 fallen firefighters who gave their lives that day by raising money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Participating students and teachers travelled up and down the Westminster High School main staircase 42 times with volunteers cheering them on and helping keep track of flights climbed. Once completed, the participants had climbed a total of 2,071 stairs, equal to the number of stairs in the World Trade Center.
 
WHS social studies teachers and cross country coaches Lanaya Martinez and Matt Gillette are the driving force behind the event. 

"This year’s 9/11 stair climb saw a powerful surge in attendance, bringing together a community united in remembrance,” said Martinez. “With many dedicated teachers and the energetic Step team joining us, the climb was not only a tribute to those we lost but a testament to the strength and spirit of our collective resolve."
 
“It’s a meaningful opportunity to take our passions, which are being physical and being active, and combine it with our jobs as social studies teachers to keep the memories of the firefighters alive,” said Gillette. “We want to help our students understand the values of courage, commitment and purpose.”

The event has raised a total of $1,300 over the last four years.