From Students’ Generosity to a Lasting Trail Legacy

A remarkable act of generosity by Portage Elementary School students in 2021 is currently helping to advance the 9/11 National Memorial Trail in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

After students raised $4,000 in 2021 to support the development of the Trail, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance worked with local advocates, including Allegheny Ridge Corporation (opens in new window) and Friends of the Main Line Canal, to build on that momentum.

With the support of Pennsylvania State Senator Devlin Robinson (opens in new window), leader of the 9/11 Trail Caucus in Pennsylvania, and the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies, the Alliance helped secure funding to purchase 7.7 acres of property from Norfolk Southern — a critical step in advancing trail development in the region.

This effort demonstrates the impact of local collaboration in advancing the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. Through the support of students, community partners, nonprofit organizations, and public officials, a key piece of property was secured to help move trail development forward in Cambria County while furthering the mission of connecting communities through remembrance, recreation, and resilience.