High School Students React to bin Laden's Death

As news of Osama bin Laden's death dominates news headlines and social media networks across the world, it's also on the minds of local students.

At on Monday afternoon, a freshman history class reflected on the 9/11 attacks and students discussed their reactions to the U.S. killing of the terrorist leader in Pakistan on Sunday. Teachers Kim Lemke and Barbara Kienman asked the students to write journal entries and then share them with the class.

Most students agreed with President Barack Obama's notion that "justice has been done" for the country, but many still feared retaliation from terrorist organization al-Qaida.

"They are probably going to get back at us somehow, someway," student Courtney Olejniczak said.

"This will not end the war in the slightest," student Joseph Torres said. "(bin Laden) was a big part of it, but he is not the only leader. (al-Qaida) is going to fight until the last man is standing."

Part of Monday's class discussion focused on the celebrating in the streets Sunday night and today and whether students believed it was appropriate. In the aftermath of the president's announcement, crowds chanted, cheered and sang outside at places including the White House, at Ground Zero in New York and in the streets of Dearborn.

"I didn't like when people were cheering in the streets," student Katelyn Hodge said. "Death is not something to cheer about."

Torres said the celebrating made him feel "uneasy." 

"I don't think it's wrong, but I don't think it's right," he said. "I feel like it's putting us on (al-Qaida's) level."

Although the students in the freshman class were only about 4 or 5 years old during the 9/11 attacks, Lemke said class discussions give students a better understanding of current events and history. "We want them to have a modern-day connection to the things going on in the world," Lemke said. "Students know about 9/11 ... but don't know its orgins."

Students also reflected on the lives lost of Sept. 11, 2001.

Carolyn Andrews said the attacks hit close to home for her family because her uncle was in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks, but survived.

"At this point, his (bin Laden's) death is just closure for the families," Andrews said.

"The people who died finally got their justice," student Grace Kulesza said.

Do you know someone who was affected by 9/11? Do you have any friends or relatives who are veterans or serving overseas today? Email local editor Nicquel Terry at nicquel.terry@patch.com.