The air was heavy on the afternoon of Sept. 10 as Dance students carefully attached remembrance ribbons to the doors of each Upper School classroom. These ribbons not only honored the victims of 9/11 but also carried a deeper meaning for the dance community — serving as a tribute to the legacy of Performing Arts Chair and dance teacher, Gerri Barreras. 

For over two decades, “Ms. Gerri” led her dancers in this meaningful tradition, gathering them each Sept. 10 to craft and distribute ribbons that included an excerpt about small acts of kindness in honor of those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks. This simple yet heartfelt gesture became a symbol of unity, connection, and the values Barreras instilled in her students and inspired in her peers. 

“Gerri [Barreras] always advocated for uniting people together; [the ribbons] are a physical manifestation of that,” English Faculty and Department Chair Dory Guerra said.

The Dance Program, and especially its students, felt the weight of continuing Ms. Gerri’s tradition after her passing on July 21. This year’s commemoration went beyond remembering 9/11; it served as a means of honoring Barreras’ memory and the imprint she left on the school. Her mantra, “Always in Dance,” resonated deeply among many dancers as they worked to maintain her mission of kindness and outreach.

Barreras’ community involvement stretched far beyond dance. She was committed to Best Buddies, organized performances for the elderly, and worked tirelessly to bring the arts to all corners of the school and beyond. After her passing, Guerra and Social Science Department Chair Alex Melchor made it their mission to uphold her 9/11 tradition.

According to Guerra, she and Melchor’s intention was to unite the community in reflection and honoring the compassionate life that Barreras led.

“A lot of times throughout history, the further we get from something, the more we forget about it. But Gerri never did,” Melchor said.

For the dancers, this year’s ribbon distribution was especially meaningful. Senior Dance Club Officer Sofia Nuñez described how many teachers expressed appreciation not only for the ribbons but for the continuation of Barreras’ work.

“Ms. Gerri didn’t just care about the dance department — she cared about the entire school,” Nuñez explained. “Her passing was felt by everybody because she touched the community so deeply,” Nuñez said.

This year’s ribbons served not only as a reflection on 9/11 but as a testament to the lasting impact Gerri Barreras had on the community. In every gesture of kindness, and in every ribbon hung with care, her spirit lived on.