Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary hosts first responder breakfast in honor of Patriot Day.
Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary (KMBE) opened its doors to local heroes on September 11 with a special first responder breakfast. The event honored firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel who serve the community while remembering the sacrifices made on 9/11. Students, staff, and families came together to say thank you and celebrate the values of service and unity.
For Sergeant Antonio Rodriguez, the day was both humbling and meaningful. “It almost feels unworthy, right? The sacrifices that the first responders made that day. It’s why I became a first responder,” he shared. Attending with his children, he reflected on the importance of family and community, adding, “Being able to celebrate a day like today at their school in this community has been amazing for me.”
Firefighter Taylor Price also attended with his daughter, a preschooler at KMBE. He emphasized the impact of connecting students with everyday heroes. “I think it’s pretty special to be able to incorporate the kids and family and bring it together on a school campus,” Price said. He hopes students walk away with a stronger sense of community and the inspiration to serve. “If you see something, say something. Step in and be the bigger person,” he encouraged.
Students at KMBE were proud to play their part. Fourth grader Kenley H. explained, “It feels nice because it looks like we’re helping them grow in their happiness. It might help them understand that we love everything they do for us.” Sixth grader Riley A. echoed the same appreciation, saying, “I think it’s important to honor people because they saved people’s lives and they risked their own saving others. We should honor them every day.”
The breakfast served as more than a meal. It was a living lesson in gratitude, service, and citizenship, all values at the heart of Queen Creek Unified School District’s mission of excellence. By honoring first responders, KMBE not only taught students about history and patriotism but also reinforced the importance of compassion and leadership in everyday life.
As Sergeant Rodriguez reminded the students, “It starts with small acts. It doesn’t have to be anything grand.” At KMBE and QCUSD, those small acts added up to a morning filled with respect, appreciation, and hope for the future.