Cait Leavey

  • Family Member, Next Generation
  • Captioned

Daughter of FDNY Lieutenant killed on 9/11.

2021 Webinar Video - Cait Leavey

2021 Webinar Cait Leavey English

This story was filmed as part of our Anniversary in the Schools program, which introduces students to first-person accounts of the 9/11 attacks. Participate in this year’s free program by completing this registration form.

Teaching Guides

As you listen to Cait’s story, think about the following questions:

  • What kind of work were firefighters, like Lt. Joseph Leavey, doing at the World Trade Center?
  • Cait said that hearing her father’s calm voice on the radio calls was a gift. How did this help Cait after 9/11?
  • Cait’s father called her “his sunshine” and she described him as loving and supportive. Today, Cait creates a space where her own students can unleash their own “sunshine.” Who are the people in your life that support and encourage you?

  • Cait said that hearing her father’s calm voice on the radio calls was a gift. How did this help Cait after 9/11?
  • What was the purpose of America’s Camp and how did it impact Cait’s life?
  • In what ways does Cait say her father influences the way that she teaches? How does her story demonstrate the impact that 9/11 continues to have 20 years later?

  • How did hearing her father’s radio calls help Cait after 9/11?
  • What were firefighters, like Lt. Joseph Leavey, doing at the World Trade Center on 9/11? Based on the radio calls, what challenges might they have been facing?
  • What was the purpose of America’s Camp and how did it impact Cait’s grieving process? How does Cait try to embody her father’s legacy in her work as a teacher? How does her story demonstrate the impact that 9/11 continues to have 20 years later?

Additional Resources

Read a blog post to learn more about Cait’s healing process after 9/11. To learn more about Cait’s father, Lt. Joseph Leavey, who was killed on 9/11 visit the Memorial Guide. If you’re interested in hearing from more stories from 9/11 family members, visit our Webinar Stories archive.