By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

Lakota Ridge Junior High School eighth-graders Kelsey Horst (from left), Zach Skelton and Kristen Welker show off the 9-11 mural in the school cafeteria. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Students at Lakota Ridge Junior School have completed a permanent tribute to the victims of Sept. 11. A mural celebrating the American spirit is on display in the school's cafeteria and will be formally dedicated this evening.

Shortly after the terrorist attacks, more than 200 students contributed to a book of anthologies created as a memorial to the victims.

Reach Out Lakota, which serves the needy of Liberty and West Chester townships, was the beneficiary of more than $1,000 obtained through sales of the publication.

"But our students wanted to go a step further, and create a memorial to 9-11 in our building," teacher Christy Walter said.

"Our PTO generously voted to fund a mural, and artist Peter Jaquish of Covington was selected to create it."

Walter said the mural became a reflection of the ideas of teachers, parents and students who wanted to create a picture of hope and courage instead of emotional sorrow and loss.

She said "The American Spirit" is a collage of historical pictures representing courage, hope and heroes.

Work of art

"The centerpiece is a picture of the Statue of Liberty taken by one of our students during a vacation to New York City, with the twin towers in the background," Walter said. "That was the heart of the mural.

"There are photos of people of courage, pictures of hope, and a collection of heroes," Walters said. "There are also four doves, representing the four planes, and stars that show the lives lost that day," she said.

"The students of Lakota Ridge are young adults who observe and reflect more than we generally realize," Jaquish said.

"The mural would not be as strong as it is without the staff and students' input and direction. Their insights and comments were impressive and well thought out."

Tonight's dedication is at 7 p.m. at Lakota Ridge.

The event is open to the public.

For more information, call the school at 777-0552.