(MONEY Magazine) – There are many reasons why my family and I love New York, but for me, Stuyvesant High School, where I often volunteer, represents the best of our city.

Many people around the country learned about Stuyvesant after Sept. 11. Although it is now often referred to as "the school at ground zero," Stuy (pronounced sty) is distinguished by more than its location. It has long been considered one of the best secondary schools in the country, and the reputation is well deserved. The academic excellence and achievement of the students at this highly selective school is the stuff of legend. The Ivy League and other prestigious schools routinely court Stuy grads, and almost all the students go on to college. The school produces record numbers of finalists in distinguished competitions such as the Intel Science Talent Search and the National Merit Scholarship. There are two student orchestras, more than 100 clubs, 30 sports teams and 25 publications. Oh, and yes, Stuyvesant is a New York City public high school.

On Sept. 11, classes were already in full swing when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. The students were still in the building when the second tower came crashing down. Many of these young people witnessed the unfolding tragedy at so close a distance that they not only saw the damage to the buildings but watched as victims fell from windows or clung hopelessly to the outside facade. Many had parents and other loved ones working at the Trade Center. When they were finally evacuated, Stuy students headed due north, away from the towers. They dragged friends who wanted to go back to find their parents. They calmed others who had no plans in case of an emergency. They made space in their homes for those who couldn't get home that day.

Stuyvesant reopened exactly four weeks after the terrorist attacks. The students were elated to return, although they were aware of the potential risks to both physical and emotional health. But the principal biohazard of the day was not anthrax, but the remains of bagged lunches that had been left in lockers a month earlier. Stuy students went home that evening with two mementos of the day: clothing that reeked of smoke, and homework. And they were thrilled to be back at school.