Written by: Anna Neill 

Providence Academy has three pillars in which it operates: Faith, Knowledge, and Virtue. Some would argue that there is a fourth: Tradition. The tragedy of 9/11 brings forth one of the greatest Providence traditions.

On September 11th all PA students lined the front sidewalks and driveway of the campus and stood at attention while Plymouth police officers and firefighters drove through to honor the lives lost during the attack on 9/11. This tradition started in 2015 when the members of the Lions for Life Club at Providence Academy wanted to honor the fallen. Today, there is a flag placed for each of the 2,977 lives lost.

Students watch as the Plymouth Police and Fire Departments process down the school’s main drive. PAW Photo Credit: Axewell Nyabere

On the morning of September 11, 2024, Dr. Flanders began the day as he usually does at Providence Academy, with announcements and prayer; but this year he shared an email from a Providence alumnus.

Within this email, the alumnus reflected on his experience at Providence Academy on the day of the attack. The alumnus wrote, “Amidst the confusion and broken hearts, PA brought us together for prayer, offering a space for peace and healing in the chapel. That simple but profound act gave us, as young students, a way to find hope and strength in a time of fear. It has stayed with me, even after all these years, as a reminder of the power of community and faith.”

This is the epitome of the PA tradition. Providence was able to take a day of such tragedy and make it a day of prayer. PA took the opportunity to stick to tradition and focus on God’s plan as opposed to contributing to the fear that engulfed the rest of the nation.

“PA’s decision on that day to focus on God’s presence rather than fear is a legacy and lesson many of us still hold dear, and I am proud to have been part of a community that emphasized faith above all else,” wrote the PA alumnus.

Providence Academy instills tradition and respect within the minds of the entire student body. From Pre-K to 12th grade, there is no question about the honor and respect with which the memorial is approached.

“Coming into Providence I was told about the memorial, and was extremely impressed at the reverence the students showed. There was clearly no question in the students’ minds about showing respect during the memorial,” said Providence Chaplain, Fr. McGuine