Nineteen years ago, the world changed.

Islamic terrorists hijacked four planes, three of which crashed (two into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon), and the fourth, United Flight 93, was brought down by passengers and then crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Almost 3,000 individuals of every race, color, creed, religion and sexual orientation lost their lives that day.

Several educators recalled their memories of Sept. 11, 2001.

“I was an assistant principal at St. Simon the Apostle. We were preparing to give the ISTEP test when the news came in. We had it on the television in our foyer and we just couldn’t believe the images we were seeing. My most vivid memories are people standing around in the streets, walking around, covered in ash. Another vivid memory is a man on one of the upper floors jumping out of one of the tower windows. I will never forget that unbelievable image.” Principal Mrs. Julie Barthel

I was in fifth grade at Holy Name Catholic School in Beech Grove. I remember that at some point in the morning, our teacher was called out of the room by one of his colleagues and was out of the room for around 30 minutes, only to come back and keep teaching. It wasn’t until about 15 minutes before we dismissed that he filled us in on what had been happening that day. Nothing sank in for me until I got home and not only saw the news footage, but saw the reactions of my parents, specifically my father. Religion teacher Mr. Matt Cannaday

“I was a senior at Cathedral and was in my photography class. We were working on a project and listening to the radio. I remember them saying something about an explosion in New York City, but didn’t think much of it. Once I got to my next class the teacher had the TV on and we saw both buildings in flames. As the day moved on and the other planes crashed in D.C. and Pennsylvania, I remember a lot of students being scared because their parents were traveling for work. We had a prayer service to end the day, and from that point on the world had changed.” Social studies teacher Mr. John O’Hara ‘02

“I was taking the ISTEP exam and was pulled out of testing and held in the principal’s office with my older sister. My mother had been at the (World Trade Center) for business in New York City on Sept. 10. She took a redeye (flight) out of Newark (New Jersey) that evening. Once her location and other members of my family were secure, we were permitted to go back to class. That evening I remember sitting and watching the news with my parents and not speaking much.  I remember a quick phone call with an uncle (who worked as a photojournalist) who ran toward (the Financial District) that morning and was thankful to hear his voice. I remember the stillness and quiet of the school the next day. That’s what I recall of the day.” Theater teacher Ms. Maria Souza