Carlton Shelley

  • Next Generation
  • Spanish Subtitles

West Point graduate who was a student in the elementary school classroom where President George W. Bush was told about the 9/11 attacks.

2021 Webinar Video - Carlton Shelley

2021 Webinar Carlton Shelley Spanish

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 Carlton’s story, think about the following questions:

  • Why was September 11, 2001, going to be a special day for Carlton and his fellow students at Emma E. Booker Elementary school?
  • In the middle of the President’s visit, Carlton says “all of a sudden, President Bush was leaving.” As Carlton learned more about why the President had to leave, how does he describe feeling?
  • In his 5th grade graduation speech, Carlton says that 9/11 made him a better person in three ways. What are the three things he mentions?
  • Carlton says perseverance, which is the ability to continue doing something despite difficulties, has continued to help him as an adult. Can you think of a time in your own life where you were able to face a challenge that helped you to grow or to learn something new?

  • Why was September 11, 2001, a noteworthy day for Carlton and his fellow students at Emma E. Booker Elementary school?
  • In the middle of the President’s visit, Carlton says “all of a sudden, President Bush was leaving.” How does Carlton describe feeling as he began to learn about what happened on 9/11? What about his teachers?
  • How did 9/11 influence his decision to attend West Point? Why was it important to him to become a Buffalo Soldier?
  • What parallels does Carlton draw between his experiences navigating 9/11 and the present? What lessons does he say we can take from 9/11 and apply to today?

  • Why was September 11, 2001, a noteworthy day for Carlton and his fellow students at Emma E. Booker Elementary school?
  • How does Carlton describe the process of learning about what happened the morning of 9/11? How did being a 5th grader impact his understanding?
  • Why did Carlton choose to attend West Point? Why was it important to him to become a Buffalo Soldier?
  • What parallels does Carlton draw between his experiences navigating 9/11 and the present? Does anything he discusses resonate with your own experiences navigating the COVID-19 pandemic?

Additional Resources

Read a blog post to learn more about Carlton’s experience after 9/11. To hear from additional veterans regarding how 9/11 affected their decision to serve, visit our Salute to Service page. If you’re interested in hearing from more 9/11 witnesses, visit our Webinar Stories archive.