PHOTO ESSAY: Montclair State Gives Back to its Community on 9/11

Montclair State University took this Saturday to give back to its community in honor of the firefighters and the servicemen and women who gave their life 20 years ago on Sept. 11.

The day started with a complimentary breakfast for the students who offered to volunteer. Most volunteers were students participating in fraternities and sororities.

Members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon getting ready to garden. John LaRosa | The Montcalrion

Members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon get ready to garden.
John LaRosa | The Montcalrion

Around 8 a.m., Montclair State President Jonathan Koppell came on stage at the Student Center ballroom to thank those volunteering and to emphasize the importance of this day.

President Jonathan Koppell addressing the students in community service. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

President Jonathan Koppell addresses the students partaking in community service.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

The Greek life members were then dispersed all across Montclair, New Jersey to help engage in different acts of community service, many of which included gardening and landscaping.

Members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon went outside the Student Center to help in the community garden. The garden was overgrown and in need of harvesting. Koppell was there helping as well.

Ashley Obade helping pick tomatoes at the Student Center garden. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Ashley Obade helps pick tomatoes at the Student Center garden.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Over at Montclair High School, some students were helping with gardening around the 9/11 beam memorial of World Trade Center Tower 2, dedicated to Ronald J. Ruben, who graduated with the class of 1983 and lost his life in the attacks.

President Koppell and a faculty member at Montclair Highschool in between a metal support from World Trade Center Tower 2. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Koppell and a faculty member at Montclair High School talk in between a metal support from World Trade Center Tower 2.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Downtown Montclair held a small parade accompanied by local firefighters and police officers, complete with the sound of trumpets and waving flags.

Montclair police officers marching with flags held high. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Montclair police officers march with flags held high.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Over at the Nathaniel Crane House in the historic section of Downtown Montclair, students were helping mulch and garden the area, while picking tomatoes and even fetching chickens.

A Montclair Community Farms member helping pick tomatoes. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

A Montclair Community Farms member helps pick tomatoes.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Koppell also visited Montclair High School and the garden at the Crane House to help and talk to the community members.

President Koppell helping Eugenia Vasquez Arango (middle) and other students make peanut butter sandwiches. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Koppell helps Eugenia Vasquez Arango (middle) and other students make peanut butter sandwiches.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Even 20 years after the tragedy, both Americans and students at Montclair State stand in unity with one another to give back to their community.

A woman listening to the sound of the Montclair Community Band during a 9/11 memorial parade. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

A woman listens to the sound of the Montclair Community Band during a 9/11 memorial parade. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Montclair State University students helping spray paint rocks at Montclair Highschool. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Montclair State University students help spray paint rocks at Montclair High School.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Christine Schneider helping move mulch and dirt at the historic Crane House garden in downtown Montclair. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

Christine Schneider helps move mulch and dirt at the historic Crane House garden in downtown Montclair.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

A 9/11 remembrance plaque outside Watchung Station in Montclair. John LaRosa | The Montclarion

A 9/11 remembrance plaque outside Watchung Station in Montclair, New Jersey.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion

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Koppell with former Montclair Mayor Bob Russo (left).
John LaRosa | The Montclarion