Tunnel to Towers Foundation and New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education Launch 9/11 Essay Contest

The Winner Gets a Visit from the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit

This year, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 9/11 Institute is partnering with the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, part of the New Jersey Department of Education, to further educate children in New Jersey about 9/11. They’re launching a 9/11 essay contest to give a New Jersey 8th-grade student a chance to win a visit from the Foundation’s 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit.

The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit Essay Contest challenges New Jersey 8th-grade students to research and write an essay detailing the good that came after the 9/11 attacks.

Specifically, what acts of selflessness immediately followed the 9/11 attacks? Who performed the acts? What made those actions impactful? Who did those acts benefit?

The goal is to educate students about the events that transpired on 9/11 and highlight the everyday heroes who helped America recover in the days and weeks after the 9/11 attacks.

“The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors my brother Stephen’s sacrifice on 9/11. There are so many stories of heroism from that day and in the days that followed. I hope this contest will educate students about some of the heroes who selflessly helped America get back on its feet after the September 11th attacks,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.

Essays will be judged by the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education and the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute™.

“The New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education realizes the importance of remembering the horrific tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001. We are happy to be a part of this essay contest and to honor the memory of all those who lost their lives on that day and the bravery, courage, and selfless acts shown by the individuals who came to the aid of those that were injured and needed help,” said Doug Cervi, Executive Director, NJ Commission on Holocaust Education.  

The winning essay will receive a visit from Tunnel to Towers’ Foundation 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit in the spring of 2024.

The 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit is a one-of-a-kind traveling museum bringing the history of that tragic day to cities across the country. It’s a high-tech, tractor-trailer that transforms into an interactive exhibit, with 9/11 artifacts and guided tours carried out by retired members of the FDNY who experienced 9/11 firsthand.

This contest is limited to public, private, and homeschooled 8th-grade students who live in the state of New Jersey.

The deadline for submissions is October 18, 2023.

The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute™ launched in September, 2022 to help educators inform kids in Kindergarten through Grade 12 about 9/11. The Institute’s 9/11 Curriculum is in use in 47 states and Puerto Rico.

For more information on the rules and details on how to submit an essay click the button below.

NJ Essay Contest Submission Form

About the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education

The core mission of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education is to promote Holocaust education in the State of New Jersey. On a continual basis, the Commission shall survey the status of Holocaust/Genocide Education; design, encourage and promote the implementation of Holocaust and genocide education and awareness; provide programs in New Jersey; and coordinate designated events that will provide appropriate memorialization of the Holocaust on a regular basis throughout the state. The Commission will provide assistance and advice to the public and private schools and will meet with county and local school officials, and other interested public and private organizations, to assist with the study of the Holocaust and genocide.

For more information please see their website.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Brianna Doherty – New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education – Holocaust@doe.nj.gov