Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Students Create 9/11 Memorial for Shrewsbury Police Department

For immediate release

MARLBOROUGH – Superintendent Ernest F. Houle is pleased to share that Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students are utilizing their talents to create a 9/11 memorial for the new Shrewsbury police station.

The Shrewsbury Police Department approached Assabet Valley about the memorial last year. Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson, Shrewsbury Public Buildings Division Manager Keith Baldinger, and project architect Matt Salad of Tecton Architects visited Assabet Valley, and shared their vision for the memorial with students and faculty.

Metal Fabrication Instructor Neil Mansfield selected a team of Shrewsbury residents and seniors who showed a passion for the memorial project: Malorie Baldinger, Joel Carey, Owen Garron, Benjamin Kelly, Amber MacConnell, and Trevor Sarsfield.

Students have overcome several challenges through the work to date, including working with large and cumbersome pieces of metal.

Students collaborated on design work, revising their work to create options that most closely fit the Department’s vision. The students submitted three selections to the Department, which chose one by senior Garron, one of the group leaders.

“We have worked diligently and are really proud of what we have accomplished so far,” Malorie Baldinger said.

Instructor Mansfield was able to obtain a piece of metal from the World Trade Center building, from a family friend who is a retired New York City fire chief. This metal will serve as the focal point of the memorial.

“Almost 3,000 people including nearly 400 first responders, died on that terrible day. They ran toward the danger. Their actions made us proud to be part of the public safety profession, and their sacrifice shall not be forgotten,” Chief Anderson said. “I learned so much about the kids at Assabet, and was amazed by the work that they do. We cannot wait to see the final memorial.”

“Our students work on numerous community projects in our sending communities, but this one is different,” Superintendent Houle said. “When this project is completed, those involved will be able to take pride that they have used their talents and imagination to create a powerful and lasting memorial that will inspire people for generations.”