Peekskill Youth Present 9/11 Banner to County

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Youth from the Peekskill Youth Bureau visited the Westchester County Board of Legislators Thursday and presented board Chairman Ken Jenkins of Yonkers with a hand-crafted banner in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The large banner, which measures over six-feet tall and four-feet wide, was created by a dozen students ranging in ages of 11 to 15 who regularly attend programs hosted by the bureau. The students presented their banner to Jenkins in the Westchester Board of Legislators Chamber.“I am deeply honored to receive this banner on behalf of the Westchester legislators, and want to express my gratitude to all of the students and Peekskill Youth Bureau staff members who participated in commemorating this important anniversary of 9/11 in such a meaningful way,” said Jenkins. “Having this banner here will give all of us frequent opportunities to reflect on the tragedy and horror of the terrorist attacks and remind us to be vigilant in protecting America’s freedoms.”Youth Bureau program coordinator Kaitlin Singleton sad it took the youngsters about a month working for two or three hours each day after school to complete the banner. Singleton noted that the project gave the students a chance to learn more about 9/11, since most of them were just a year or two old when the terrorist attacks took place 10 years ago.Those attending today’s presentation included Anthony Tonich, a Peekskill-based artist who volunteers with the bureau, and Darryl Francis, a bureau senior youth advocate.

Students on hand for the presentation were Justin Burden, Shadayia Scott and Savion Williams. Christal Banks, another PYB program coordinator who also assisted in the project, was unable to attend the presentation.“I think one of the best ways for kids to understand events like 9/11 is through art,” said Tonich. “Looking at this banner, you can see a lot of thought went into it.”

Jenkins has indicated that the banner will hang in a place of prominence in the BOL’s offices on the eighth floor of the Michaelian Office Building.

 

 

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