RUMFORD — On September 11, the St. Margaret School community came together to remember the victims of 9/11 on the 23rd anniversary of the attacks that killed more than 2,700 people at the World Trade Center. The school-wide remembrance ceremony has been held every year since the attack, welcoming local first responders as special guests. This year 12 firefighters, EMS personnel and local and state police officers were present. After an introduction and welcome by school principal Jan Cooney and an opening prayer by Father Jeremy J. Rodrigues, pastor, students active with the local Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs raised the flag and led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance. Students in 6th-8th grade read their personal essays about what a hero means to them. The community then remembered alum Eric Valdepenas, who lost his life while serving our country in Iraq. Music teacher, Justina Maybray joined parish music director Ronald Procopio in patriotic songs.
