It started like any other normal school day for UEHS Principal Steve DiStefano. He made his rounds through the cafeteria and main entrance, helped students find their buses for work-based learning programs, and said good morning to as many people as he could.
When the late bell for first period rang and the morning announcements began, Steve realized he was still outside the main office helping freshmen find their way to class. He quickly made his way back, not wanting to miss his annual announcement honoring those lost on September 11.
Rather than deliver a traditional patriotic message about freedom, Steve chose to challenge his students.
“Good morning, Tigers.
Today, September 11, we pause to remember the tragedy that occurred on this day 25 years ago. More than 400 first responders lost their lives, including 343 firefighters who entered the World Trade Center and climbed toward a towering inferno to rescue others.
Those brave first responders kept going, despite the incredible odds against them, because they had a mission: to help others.
Today, I challenge every Tiger at UEHS to honor their memory through action. Find your own way to honor our fallen heroes, as well as the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day.
If you are able, climb as many stairs as you can, take 2,200 steps in remembrance of those who rushed into danger to save lives, or simply do something positive for one of your classmates.
Today, we remember. We honor. And, as Tigers, we step up.”
Little did Steve know just how literally one of his Tigers would take those words.
Sometime during the day, UEHS senior and volunteer firefighter Joe Chicuokra put on his West Corners Fire Department gear and, during his free period, climbed 80 flights of stairs.
Eighty flights up. And that didn’t even count the trips back down.
No one told Joe to do it. No one expected him to do it. He simply heard a challenge to honor the first responders who climbed toward danger 25 years ago—and he stepped up.
For Steve, Joe’s actions were a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Tiger: to hear a call to help, take action and make a difference.
Thank you, Joe, for reminding the entire U-E community of exactly what it means to be a Tiger.
And thank you to Joe and all of U-E’s first responders for everything they do for their communities.
Today, we remember. We honor. And we step up.