Students in Ms. Cirillo’s English class, along with preschoolers at Silas Wood, planted a butterfly bush in memory of the victims of September 11th. Ms. Cirillo’s students had the opportunity to hear from parents of Silas Wood 6th grader James Reilly, whose uncle Jimmy Brian Reilly, tragically died that day in 2001. The 6th grade student was named after his uncle in his honor.

Jimmy Reilly was a 1994 Walt Whitman High School graduate who was working in the South Tower at the time of the 9-11 attacks. The class, along with James’ parents Chris and Deb, paid tribute to Jimmy’s life and all 9-11 victims by planting a butterfly bush in the front garden of the sixth-grade center.

Chris fondly remembered her twin brother as she shared with students the wonderful legacy he left behind and answered questions from students who all but know about this event as another day in history. It was a beautiful tribute to Jimmy and our fallen heroes and we thank Chris and Deb for sharing Jimmy’s story with our students.

(left to right) Deb, Chris and James Reilly stand with a portrait of Jimmy and the butterfly bush, honoring him and the lives lost on 9-11.

Chris Reilly spoke with students in Ms. Cirillo's class about her twin brother, Jimmy, and the positive impact he had on his friends, family and community.

James, Jimmy's namesake, places the butterfly bush in honor of his uncle.

Our youngest students in the pre-K program at Silas Wood helped with the planting process.

James hopped into Jimmy's old Miata, keeping his uncle's memory and free spirit alive.

We are so grateful to Chris, Deb, James, Ms. Cirillo and her class for this special tribute in remembering our heroes.