Good Deed Project Teaches Students the Value of Service

Students at and took part in the Good Deed Project to teach them that in tragedy, everyday people become heroes by rising up to lend a hand.

The project coincided with the commemoration of the day when the founding fathers signed the U.S. Constitution and the tenth anniversary of 9/11, where Americans saw first responders and volunteers rush to help in the face of adversity.

For this service project, students wrote personal pledges on pieces of red and white paper, assembling them into a large-scale “Good Deed Flag” that was displayed in the lobby of the high school.

Leading up to the event, English teachers taught students about the project inspired by the website www.mygooddeed.org, created by the brother of a victim of the 9/11 attacks.

According to school officials, the students drew from a variety of instructional resources, including President Obama's weekly dddress, which named 9/11 as a day of service and remembrance. They were also motivated by First Lady Michelle Obama, who asked Americans to consider 9/11 as a day to pledge to help others, do a good deed, or even commit to having a good thought.

Many of the messages were written anonymously because they were so personal but some students shared their messages with us.

“I will thank a Fireman for helping,” said Meg Hoskins.

Kierstyn Jones said that she will “pickup all trash I see and put it in the garbage.”

Victoria Raso pledged to honor those who gave their lives on 9/11.

“I will light a candle in remembrance of anyone who passed away on September 11, 2001,” she said.

“I will give a moment of silence to honor the people who died to save others that day,” said Star Lindsey of the first responders who died on 9/11.