CAROLINE LEWIS:
00:00:20
Patty Lewis is a career educator who sold Bridgeport, Connecticut, a dream. She co-founded the Adam J. Lewis Academy. It began in 2013 as a private preschool, providing an educational foundation for lower-income families. I'm a big believer in out of anything tough, no matter what it is, there's always something positive that comes out. And this school might not have happened if 9/11 didn't happen.
CAROLINE LEWIS:
00:00:49
The school is a living tribute to Lewis's husband, Adam. He died 25 years ago tomorrow in the attacks on the World Trade Center. He worked for an investment banking firm located on the South Tower's 89th floor. Patty Lewis was widowed, with four young children. One of them, me. I can't believe it sometimes. I know. But we had a lot of good people, a lot of good people. It took a village, and that's what the school is about. Why choose to name it after Dad? I think that's one of the hardest things about when someone dies is we forget. And it was a wonderful way to keep his memory alive for you and for everybody. The other thing is the educational opportunity. He's an inspiration, and education was such an important thing for him. Do you want to take a quick break? Yeah. You're making me cry, which is good. It's good. Sorry. I just love my mom. I know. I know. You're so cute. And look how much bigger. This is our first year.
CAROLINE LEWIS:
00:01:53
Today, the school bearing my father's name has grown to nearly 200 students, pre-K to eighth grade. His memory still guides its every mission. Do you think Dad would be proud? I do think he would be proud. At what you've done? I think so. And I think he's looking down here and clapping. I do. I think he would. I think he's smiling and laughing right now.
CAROLINE LEWIS:
00:02:22
Turning loss into legacy.
