Among the countless acts of heroism celebrated in the wake of
September 11, one stands out for Macae Lintelman. The 14-year-old
from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, will never forget the incredible
courage displayed by a group of ordinary citizens — the passengers
of Flight 93.
"It was the heroism on that plane," says the ninth grader at Quaker
Valley Middle School, which is located just 44 miles from the
Flight 93 crash site. "When we heard the story of how they risked
their lives for America, we thought it was so remarkable."
Students at Quaker Valley didn't just stand by in admiration.
They kicked into action, organizing several events to raise money
for children who lost parents in the attacks. The activities,
which were held on the 11th day of each month, included a walk-a-thon,
a potluck dinner, an auction, a faculty basketball game, and a
garage sale.
Ninth grader Darren Rogers recalls the heroics of Todd Beamer
and several other passengers on Flight 93 who fought the hijackers
in an attempt to regain control of the plane.
"Since they gave their lives for others, the least we could do
was to help their families get back on track," says ninth grader
Darren Rogers. "The whole school got involved."
While students donated some of the money to the September 11th
Fund, they presented Todd's wife, Lisa Beamer, with a check for
$16,100 during a school-wide ceremony in June. Lisa has created
the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, a charity to benefit the children
whose parents were killed in the attacks.
Quaker Valley students hope to meet up with Lisa again on September
11. They plan to present her with a quilt designed by Sewickley
community members during the one-year anniversary ceremonies in
Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
"She is so strong," says Macae. "She has created such a good future
for the kids who lost parents. She truly is a hero."
Do you think these kids are heroes? To nominate a hero into our
Hall of Heroes,
click here.
