Kumpf Student Recognized for 9/11 Project

Eighth grader Colin Sass approached Carl H. Kumpf Principal Jennifer Feeley with an idea a year ago: He wanted to make a tree to raise money for the tenth anniversary of 9/11. 

So for the past year, Sass has been collecting dimes in exchange for writing a note on a tree which was on display in Carl F. Kumpf's lobby. 

"He took such personal ownership and had such passion for the project," Feeley said. 

In total, Sass raised $180 to purchase one flag for each school in the Clark district. 

The project was part of Sass's Bar Mitzvah project which was intended to benefit the community in some way.

"I used the slogan "10 for 10" - 10 cents for the 10th anniversary of September 11th," Sass said. 

Each contributor was given a leaf to write on - either a story, prayer or recollection of where they were 10 years ago. 

The tree was filled with notes, which hung from branches as a "symbol of unity," Feeley said. 

Principals from each school were present to receive the flag from Sass. The flag was blue – a common color for all the states which were attacked. The black in the middle symbolized sadness, Sass said. There are four stars in the middle of the flag representing each plane which crashed on the day. 

"We are very proud of what he did," said Superintendent Kenneth Knops. "He is truly an ambassador for the Clark district."