Malvern recently had its annual 9/11 assembly in the morning to honor the men and women who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center eleven years ago. Amongst the honored guests in attendance were the first responders of Norriton Fire Company, representatives of the Fire Department of New York City, and other first responders of the Philadelphia area.
Mr. Christian Talbot, President of Malvern Prep, shared a story of two gentlemen he knew who were working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on the day of the attacks. One of the men subconsciously made the decision to go down the stairs from the 84th floor while the other remained in his office, sending emails to his loved ones. The man who took the stairs survived the second crash. Mr. Talbot then intertwined the stories of the two men with his personal account on the day and how it affected his life moving forward. Mr. Talbot had known both men, one from college and the other from high school. He spoke on how being a Christian provided him with the faith and a sense of personal security moving forward.
Dr. Joe Oechsle proposed an idea that involved a “home front” effort by Malvern. He has been involved with the FDNY Scholarship for several years – a program established by area fire departments to provide a scholarship to Fordham Prep in the Bronx to the sons of firefighters who were killed in New York.
“Charity begins at home,” Dr. Oechsle explained, “So I thought that we should do something to support the sons of local fire fighters whose fathers have passed serving in the line of duty.”
The idea was approved by Malvern Prep administration and it soon branched out to the local fire companies. Anonymous donors also support and provide funding for the scholarships. The scholarship is awarded to the son(s) of a fallen firefighter in the five county areas. The scholarship will cover the full tuition of Malvern Prep.
Malvern Prep pays tribute to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice on a day, eleven years ago, that tested the durability of a nation. We will never forget.
The Friar’s Lantern interviews Dr. Joe Oechsle about the new Malvern Prep scholarship:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OLQ-Pqc9lM&feature=g-upl
