BEAVER DAM, Wis. — As the nation reflects on the lives lost from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Wayland Academy in Dodge County continues to honor the memory of one of its own: Ann Nicole Nelson.

She was tragically killed in the World Trade Center that day. 

 What You Need To Know

  • Ann Nicole Nelson, a former student of Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wis.

  • She was tragically killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11

  • Wayland Academy students regularly visit a bench dedicated to Nelson, and someone anonymously leaves flowers to honor of her life and legacy each year

  • The academy maintains a scholarship fund in Nelson's name, supporting future generations in her memory

Nelson attended Wayland Academy from 1987 to 1989 for her junior and senior years. During her time at the academy, she was involved with the yearbook and was an active member of both the tennis and ski teams.

Her senior quote in the yearbook read, “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday, and I love today.”

Red and white roses, along with baby’s breath, adorn a bench on the school’s campus. Etched into the bench is her name and date of her death; it’s a permanent reminder of the heartbreak Nelson’s death brought to the community.

“We will always remember her and love her,” Wayland Academy junior Liz Strut said.

Nelson, a brilliant scholar, athlete and bond broker, was on the 104th floor of the North Tower when the attacks occurred. She was 30-years-old.

“It’s really sad to see a soul like that go away,” Wayland Academy junior Genesis Garcia Ruiz said.

Strut, Garcia Ruiz and another friend went to the academy’s archives to learn more about Nelson’s life on the 23rd anniversary of her passing.

Students and members of the campus community frequently clean the memorial bench and honor Nelson in other ways. One does something mysterious, leaving anonymous flowers.

“Every year, they’re here. It’s always before the first person arrives,” said Andrea Chesley, Wayland Academy’s dean of enrollment.

Chesley expressed gratitude for these small acts of kindness.

“It’s a reminder to us to remember, be kind, and figure out ways we can contribute as well,” she said.

Headmaster Jason Warnick also reflected on the significance of the day.

“This is a time when we get to think about what we’re lucky to have, and on September 11th, we do it with reflection with Ann as our teacher,” he said.

Wayland Academy honors Nelson’s memory each year with a memorial scholarship fund. To learn more about the fund or to make a contribution, click here.

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