Students and staff at Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School held their annual Patriot Day ceremony on Friday, September 10, at 9:00 am. “This significant event changed history,” Principal Brett Shelby said. “It was a moment that we as Americans were reminded of the freedom we have and how important that freedom is in the United States.”
This year’s ceremony marked the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and included visual representation on campus with a police car, ambulance, and fire truck parked in the front parking lot. “In the past, we have always honored Veterans on this day. With the significance of this year being 20 years, we felt it would be honorable to have first responders present as well,” said Shelby. “They also played an essential role on September 11th and are looked at as heroes because of their acts of bravery. We felt that inviting them, and having their presence, would have an impact on our campus and community.”
Dr. Jack was the son of Tyler educators, a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, and a victim of the attacks on September 11, 2001. To honor him, Jack Elementary School’s mascot is the Patriot, and their colors are red, white, and blue. Students and staff wore those colors at the ceremony and on other Tyler ISD campuses today.
Principal Brett Shelby adds, “This is a time-honored tradition that we do each year to honor our namesake. Dr. Jack’s legacy of leadership continues today on our campus through our Leader in Me program. We hope that our students can connect leadership, heroism, and honor, symbolizing the importance of being a student at Dr. Bryan C. Jack and understanding the importance of our freedom and the sacrifices heroes make to protect our country and community.”
