In the dark times, we must come together as one to overcome what we are facing. We must work together as a student body and as a community to lift each other up in any way that we can in order to keep on going within the trials that life brings us.
On April 10th, at 2:30 in the morning, a horrible car accident led to the fatalities of five extraordinary individuals. Calling these former students extraordinary is an understatement, especially when you consider the immense impact that they had in the ones around them. Many students have been touched by these individuals. Many have had very fond memories and relationships from each of these individuals and Tray Lewis, a Sophomore, was lucky to know all of them. Tray had commented that Donte William was, “always friendly”, and when Tray had first started to wear suits at school, Donte had called Tray, “Mr. President” and complimented him on how, “swag” he looked. Tray had said that Rod Lewis had acted like a big brother to him, especially in football where he was a constant motivator and pusher for him to keep going, along with him being such a great person to talk to when you needed help. When Tray talked about Sydney Alcorn, he mentioned the nights where the two of them would hang out at the skate park and talk about life and just “chillaxed,” while they focused on living in the moment. At last, when we discussed about Alex Wiebke, he had talked about how spiritually connected he was with him. By knowing him for five whole years, he mentioned on how he was a big brother to him who showed him support whenever he needed it. At the end of the interview, Tray was asked about what he would say to these four amazing people if he had the chance to, in which he sadly responded with, “I love and miss you guys, and all I want, is to see you guys again to make everyone smile one more time.”
Another student, Emily Bonzer, a sophomore, had said that Donte cared about everyone, and accepted everyone for who they were no matter what. She had also told a story about the first time she met him, in which she couldn’t stop laughing because of how hilarious Donte’s laugh was to her.
Many teachers at the high school had tons of positive things to say about these individuals, especially Zachary and Rod.
Jodi Callanan, an English teacher at the high school, had much to say about Zachary Hartley. She had said that he was such a joy to have in her class. “He was truly a kind-hearted individual who was always very respectful.” She also said that, “Zach enjoyed conversing with his teachers in the mornings before class and socializing with his friends.” Callanan mentioned that his pleasant personality made him easy to get along with.
Ruby Golnick, a Biology and Environmental Science teacher, also had things to add about Zachary. Golnick stated that, “Zach Hartley was working hard to provide for his family and really appreciated the chance to have a good job at McKesson.” Golnick also said that, “He knew it was important do a good job to keep a good job.”
Eva Gutierrez, who works with IJAG, had many positive things to say about Rod. Gutierrez commented that, “He was always so respectful when he saw me, and he would come up and shake my hand and ask me how I was doing. She also mentioned that, “Even when I saw him over the summer hanging out with his friends, he came up to me and gave me a hug and say ‘Hey Mrs.G. how is your summer going’ with that big Rodrick smile!!” Gutierrez then sadly stated, “I will truly miss him, and he was such a great kid.”
Within the dark times, there is no choice but to come together as one and to keep putting one foot in front of the other. In the time of struggle, it may be hard to find the light we may be looking for to help put ourselves back on track. However, the five angels of Rod Lewis, Donte William, Zachary Hartley, Sydney Alcorn, and Alex Wiebke have shown the light that we need, all because of the wonderful memories that many people have of them. We may have lost these remarkable individuals, but we, as a student body and community, must take the light that they had produced in their lives and share with others to ensure their legacy lives on.