Southside Elementary School

Patriot Day Celebration

Southside Elementary students, faculty, parents and special guests celebrated Patriot’s Day by remembering brave Americans and recognizing local heros. Principal, Mr. William McRae, recounted September 11, 2001, for many who are too young to remember the tragedy.

The school chorus, under the direction of Mr. Tony Buzzella, presented songs of patriotism and love for our country. Students and teachers sang along while decked in red, white, and blue clothing and hats, and carried banners, flags, and signs made in their classrooms.

A special, additional, ceremony was held for Mr. Freddie Bell, a Southside Elementary employee who died unexpectedly last school year. Mr. Bell, a retired Army Vet, was remembered as someone who never shied away from a challenge and loved nothing more than a good day of hard work. Students were challenged to be more like Mr. Bell. A tree was planted with a stone marker below in remembrance of Mr. Freddie Bell.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.

Ambrose Redmoon

Ray Zahab, an extreme athlete, completes extraordinary acts to encourage students to participate in their own extraordinary acts ... like raising money and awareness for Africa’s water crisis.