The Man in the Red Bandana activities

Student Activities for The Red Bandanna

Essential Questions for The Red Bandanna

1. Why was Welles Crowther a hero?
2. How did September 11th change America?
3. What makes someone a hero?
4. Why is it important to continue to talk about 9/11, even though it is a difficult topic?

The Red Bandanna Summary

Welles Crowther was born on May 17th, 1977 in New York City. The eldest of three children, and the only son, Welles was always curious about the red bandanna that his father would carry with him at all times. When Welles was six years old, his father gave him a red bandanna of his own, which Welles would become known for carrying as he got older. For as long as anyone could remember, Welles dreamed of becoming a firefighter and helping people, and became a volunteer firefighter at the young age of 16 years old. Although he was not large in stature, his determination and heart were immeasurable.

After graduating from Boston College in 1999 with a degree in economics, Welles joined the investment banking firm of Sandler O’Neill and Partners, located on the 104th floor of 2 World Trade Center in New York City. He began and excelled in the research field, and quickly moved up to become an equities trader. Welles was kind, friendly, personable, and smart. He had great promise in the firm and was sought after, but in his heart, he was a firefighter. Welles had plans to work hard and save his money as a trader so that he’d be financially stable when he decided to make the move; he knew in his heart it was the right choice.

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, Welles Crowther was no longer a trader. He was what he was born to become; he was a firefighter. Through the accounts of family members, friends, colleagues, and a few of the people that he saved, who initially only knew him as “the man in the red bandanna”, The Red Bandanna gives readers an up close and personal look at Welles Crowther, the 24 year old man who gave his life to save the lives of others.

Reading and discussing the young adult version of The Red Bandanna as a class will bring students and teachers together, while also educating students on the facts about what happened on that September morning in 2001. Welles Crowther’s story, like so many others of heroism and bravery, will never be forgotten, and while it is true that not all heroes wear capes, sometimes they just might wear a red bandanna.

This book is also available in both an adult edition called The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A Legacy., also written by Tom Rinaldi, and a picture book for young children called The Man in the Red Bandanna written by Welles Crowther’s sister, Hope Crowther Fagan.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Man In Red Bandana presents a unique opportunity for students and athletes of all ages to be inspired to make a positive difference in the world.   It will allow them to learn history while be engaged, teach high moral values without being lectured, and enjoy the screening while providing lessons that will last a lifetime.

We made it easy and relatively inexpensive to bring our film to your school, sports program, church or other community group.  Email us at .

Hundreds of teachers and coaches throughout the country use Welles' story as vehicle to teach courage, morality and selflessness through curricula, books, etc.   Our film provides it in one engaging, 80-minute format.  We are sure that you will agree that this is a special, must-see film for all young adults.

So why have so teachers, coaches and community leaders used Welles Crowther's heroic story to teach?  The answer lies in the amazing story depicted in our film, Man In Red Bandana.   Welles is a nationally-recognized and honored American hero who at the age of 24 displayed remarkable leadership, courage and selflessness.

Welles worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower and, after his building was hit on 9/11, died in the collapse of his building.  His heroics remarkably became known 8 months later as a result of an ordinary object ... a red bandana.  It was learned that he saved, at least, 10 people, including carrying a woman down 17 flights of stairs on his back!  Our film accurately depicts Welles' story while sharing the big picture events of 9/11.

Because our younger generation did not live through the 9/11 experience, it is critical for them to see and learn about these events.  In fact, the world in which the live has changed as a direct result of this tragedy heightening the need for them to learn about it.

Using Welles' story as a vehicle to engage and educate, young adults will be gripped and inspired.

Bring Man In Red Bandana to your group by emailing us at .

TESTIMONIALS:

"Every teacher thanked me for setting this up.  I was applauded [at Back To School Night] for taking on this project and sharing it with the entire school.  Parents came up and thanked me."  Kathy Connon - Scarsdale Middle School.

"A fine tribute to Welles, as well as the 9/11 legacy overall. Very moving, emotional, uplifting and captivating."  Kuljit Singh, Asst Principal, Robert H. Goddard Middle School, Queens, NY

"A compelling story of selfless, courage and sacrifice and our students were deeply moved."  Robert Rosenboom, Chairperson, Roslyn Public Schools, Roslyn, NY