Family's 9/11 loss inspires a school that's helped hundreds of kids
CBS News producer Caroline Lewis shares the story of her mother Patty, who established a school in a disadvantaged community after losing her husband on 9/11.
Every year, families gather to welcome students to the Adam J. Lewis Academy – a school named in memory of Adam Lewis, Patty Lewis' husband, who lost his life in the 9/11 attacks. Adam, an accomplished individual who grew up in the Bronx and benefited from a scholarship at The Dalton School, went on to achieve success at Hamilton College and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a financial firm located in the Twin Towers.
Following the tragedy, Patty Lewis, Adam's wife, channeled her grief into creating an educational institution that could provide young children with the foundational skills necessary for success.
Patty's efforts bore fruit in 2011, when The Adam J. Lewis Preschool opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut, serving just 12 students in its first year. The school's success soon attracted interest and support, particularly from the former employer of Adam Lewis, KBW. Tom Michaud, Adam's close friend and current CEO of KBW, has been a steadfast supporter of the school ever since.
Over the years, the school has expanded from a preschool to a full-fledged institution, now serving nearly 200 students from pre-K to eighth grade. As the school continues to grow, Patty Lewis remains deeply proud of her achievements and the positive impact the institution is having on the lives of countless children. Despite the unimaginable loss suffered on 9/11, the legacy of Adam Lewis lives on through the children who are now benefiting from the educational opportunities he once enjoyed.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
