The Freedom Flag is a symbolic tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. It has been flown in more than 2,500 schools, fire departments, and public spaces across the country. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Tyrone Area Middle/High School campus became part of that national legacy.
A group of Tyrone Area High School students, led by social studies teacher Mr. John Coltabaugh, officially brought the Freedom Flag to the Tyrone Area School District during a ceremony that included performances by the TAHS band and chorus, as well as participation from local first responders and TASD administration and school board members.
The ceremony included several TAHS High School speakers, including students Pyper Sparklin, Marshall George, and Jenna Watson, as well as Coltabaugh and Middle School Principal Dr. Shane Cowher.
“I think it’s really important that we continue to remember all of the lives that we lost,” said junior Pyper Sparklin, a member of the Freedom Flag Committee. “It was really awesome. We’ve been working really hard at this since last year, and it was great to see so many people here supporting us and our message.”
The Eagle Eye live-streamed the ceremony so all middle and high school students could take part in the event remotely.
“As we continue moving away from the events of 9/11, it’s important that we, as members of the Tyrone community and citizens of the United States, reflect on the lives lost and how that tragedy helped shape our future,” Coltabaugh said.
Senior Jenna Watson said she was inspired to join the effort because she wants younger generations to understand the historical importance of 9/11 and the sacrifices made by everyday Americans that day.
Committee member Marshall George also spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing how important it is for students to grasp the lasting impact that day had on the nation.
Middle School Principal Shane Cowher shared his own memories of 9/11, recalling that he was a college student when the attacks occurred.
“Our students weren’t alive during that time, so this helps them to remember and have respect for our country and for those who lost their lives,” Cowher said.
Coltabaugh said he first became involved with the Freedom Flag organization five years ago while teaching at Bald Eagle Area High School. He and his students began working last year to bring the flag to Tyrone.
The Freedom Flag will fly on the 11th day of each month and throughout September each year to honor the victims and first responders of 9/11.
In addition, Coltabaugh and his students are raising funds to install a museum-grade display case and lighting to permanently showcase the flag within the school.
The flag’s ten symbolic elements represent the events and lives lost on September 11. The two broad red stripes in the center symbolize the Twin Towers and those who died in the World Trade Center, American Airlines Flight 11, and United Flight 175. The top red stripe represents those who perished at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77, while the bottom red stripe honors the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who died in Pennsylvania.
“The Freedom Flag shows what we can be as a society and helps us imagine all the possibilities we can have in the future,” Coltabaugh said.
