Lawrenceville Honors Lives Lost on 9/11/01

Today, Lawrentians gathered at the School Peace Pole to remember those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

Acting Co-Head of School Emilie Kosoff began the solemn assembly with a reminder that, while it has been 23 years since the attacks – well before any current Lawrentians were born – Lawrenceville continues to honor all who lost their lives, especially the 13 members of the School community who died in the attacks that day. Student Council members Na’imah Ford, Najia King, Eli Lacey, Sophia Liu, Riley McKibben, Cira Sar, Tenjiwe Sithole, Sofia Swindell, Kathlynn Yao, and Brian Yun (all Class of 2025) shared the names and brief biographies of those 13 Lawrentians.

Lawrentians Lost on September 11, 2001

(You can learn more about each of the victims in the New York Times Portraits of Grief feature.)

Arthur T. Barry: Barry was a New York City firefighter for seven years, a member of Ladder Company 15 near the South Street Seaport. His colleagues frequently relied on him to repair elevators during high-rise fires. He was the uncle of Matthew '07 and Laura '12 Poss.

Swede K. Chevalier: A landscaper as well as an equities trader, Chevalier (brother of Tylia '00) loved to play hockey and to mountain bike. His motto was, "Gamble big, lend happily, love fully, never sit still."

Catherine Chirls P'03: Chirls told her son Nick '03, who was the number one squash player in his age group at Lawrenceville, "Never limit yourself." Nick, a day student, and his mom did the dishes together each night, talking about sports and politics.

Keith E. Coleman '86: Coleman, a wrestler who lived in Kinnan House, came to Lawrenceville as a postgraduate student. Called a quiet leader and a family man, he was married to Eloide, father to Vaughn and Neva, and brother to Scott Coleman '89.

Scott Coleman '89: Coleman was a three-sport varsity athlete at Lawrenceville (soccer, track, and baseball) and an accomplished cellist. He had a quick mind in the classroom as well as astounding speed on the playing field.

Jonathan Connors P'02: Connors had a zest for life. He loved Ireland; the quick pace of his work; his wife, Susan; and their sons Jonathan and James '02. When anyone asked him how he was, he always replied, "Tip top."

Bradley J. Fetchet: Fetchet was a quiet person with a wide smile who played hockey and lacrosse. He was a deft athlete and a role model of generosity of spirit and surprise. He came often to Lawrenceville to watch his brother Wesley '00 play lacrosse and cheer on the team.

Karen Hagerty: Hagerty was funny and inclined to take charge. She organized Christmas presents each year for a homeless shelter in the Bronx, N.Y. Her office got stuffed with all of the donated presents. She was the stepdaughter of J. Linzee Whittaker '61 and sister to James Hagerty '93.

Charles W. Mathers P'98: Mathers served in the Navy and, for 25 years, was a volunteer firefighter in Sea Girt, N.J. Father of Charles '98, Mathers loved every minute of his work. 

Charles A. McCrann '64: McCrann was an honors student at Lawrenceville and a hard worker with a puckish sense of humor. Married to Michele, McCrann was father to a daughter and a son, and boasted a six golf handicap.

Christopher Newton-Carter: The native of England, Newton-Carter was Associate Director in charge of Information Technology at Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. He developed computer systems for the investment bank. He was the uncle of Katya '09 and André '12 Danko, brother-in-law of Keith Danko '77.

Michael San Phillip '63: A devoted alumnus to Lawrenceville, he was a starter for Lawrenceville coach Ed Megna's State Champion basketball team and for Big Red coach Jack Reydel's "single wing" football squad. Married to Lynn for 35 years, San Phillip had two daughters and a granddaughter, Mikki.

Richard H. Stewart, Jr. '85: At Lawrenceville, Stewart was president of Cleve House, secretary of the School, and captain of the varsity ice hockey team. After his long week as a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, he spent each Friday night serving supper at a homeless shelter.

A recitation of Amanda Gordon’s “This Sacred Scene” by School Chaplain Violet Lee, Sloan Carrington ‘27, Blake Lynch ‘25, Reese Negus ‘27, and Michael Zampardi ’26 followed the reading of names.

Acting Co-Head of School Marquis Scott asked those gathered to “honor the legacy of this day through small acts of kindness, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and fostering a community of care. By doing so, we pay tribute to those we lost on September 11, 2001 and embody Lawrenceville's mission to ‘inspire the best in each to seek the best for all.’” Nuri Friedlander (Director of Equity and Inclusion) concluded the assembly, wishing peace to all.

The School’s Religious Life leaders have invited students, faculty, and staff to meet with them this evening for a panel discussion on September 11, 2001. The focus will be on spiritual elevation, rites of passage, and a reminder of/introduction to the important resources provided by Lawrenceville’s Religious Life leaders and programming.

For additional information on all Lawrenceville School news, please contact Lisa M. Gillard H’17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org