Long Island teacher launches 9/11 memorial workout challenge

Trish Shea, a physical education teacher in the Patchogue-Medford school district, has launched a workout challenge to honor the victims and heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The challenge is designed to reflect the sacrifices made by first responders. Students participate in 1,100 steps on bleachers to represent the 110 stories of the Twin Towers climbed by firefighters. Other stations include 343 jumping jacks for lost FDNY members, 37 situps for Port Authority police officers, and 23 pushups for the 23 NYPD officers who died.

While elementary students perform modified versions of the exercises, middle and high school students complete the full challenge over a three-day period. Shea, who has deep personal ties to law enforcement and military service, stated the goal is to help students resonate with the physical intensity faced by responders in burning buildings.