School Marks 9/11 with Reflection, Remembrance, and Peace

As the bells of Edith Memorial Chapel rang out at 10 a.m. this morning, Lawrentians gathered around the School Peace Pole to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

Head of School Steve Murray invited those gathered “to pause, reflect, and retain hope in the human spirit.” School Rabbi and religion and philosophy teacher Lauren Levy added, “In one single moment, life may never be the same – never take one second of your life for granted.” Assistant Head of School for Student Life Blake Eldridge encouraged students to use the day as a reminder of “our core values: we care for our neighbor, we accept debate but not violence, and we choose kindness towards all.”

The ceremony continued with members of the Student Council reading names and short biographies of Lawrenceville community members who were lost on 9/11.  Student leaders of the Religious Life Council then joined School Chaplain and religion and philosophy teacher Rev. Violet Lee to share "New Day's Lyric” by Amanda Gorman.

Closing the service, religion and philosophy teacher Nuri Friedlander (who also serves as the School's director of community and belonging), called on students to “create here a sense of peace that you take with you wherever you go.”

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.

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.