Students and local first responders climbed the stadium steps at D.W. Daniel High School Friday, September 11 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The memorial stair climb brought together students, faculty, first responders, and community members at Dr. Herb P. Cooper Memorial Stadium. First responders from Central, Clemson, and Six Mile, the three communities served by D.W. Daniel High School, led the climb, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel. Several completed the climb in full gear.

Participants followed the Singleton Field Stair Climb Circuit, a 479-step route through the stadium. Six complete circuits totaled approximately 2,977 steps, one for each of the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks.

The event began with student remarks, a video explaining the significance of the memorial climb, and a moment of silence. D.W. Daniel High School Principal Adam Russell was among those who completed all six circuits.

All current D.W. Daniel High School students were born after September 11, 2001. Friday’s event gave students an opportunity to commemorate the anniversary alongside first responders and community members who serve the Central, Clemson, and Six Mile communities.