Man in the Red Bandanna
On March 14, as part of Ignatian Week, students were gathered to participate in a “Run to the Fire” assembly in which they learned of the story of Welles Crowther. The presentation began with the students watching the ESPN documentary, “The Man in the Red Bandanna”. The emotional video tells the story of Crowther, who led people to safety after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Welles, known by his family to always have a red bandanna, was recognized by many survivors as the reason why they were able to escape the tower on that fateful day.
After the documentary, the special guests were introduced. Alison Crowther, Welles’ mother and Vernoy Paolini, Project Manager for the Red Bandanna project addressed the students. Alison shared her son’s story and his passion for serving others and Vernoy shared the important lessons that the initiative emphasizes. Together they created the Red Bandanna Project curricula and lessons for character development, social and emotional learning for young people.
“Welles believed that everyone belongs to a team. Even if he didn’t know you, he knew you were part of a team and you were valuable,” said Crowther.
Their message of hope, determination and selflessness made an impact on everyone in attendance. The legacy of Welles Crowther lives on, not just through his mother and Paolini, but in the lessons he leaves behind for the youth.
“He knew that it was important to reach out to others and close the divide. He understood that forgiveness was important. And, he knew above all else that it was important to be the good story in order to be the change,” said Crowther.
At the end of the assembly, all students were given a red bandanna to wear as a symbol and remembrance of Welles’ courage.
Click here to see pictures form the assembly.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.