Dr. David Hopson
As I reflect on the past week, and the tragedy that defined it, I am both saddened by the loss of Emily Savery yet hopeful for the future. I can only imagine the impact that losing a son or daughter has on parents, and my heart goes out to all of Emily’s family in this very difficult time. I cannot fathom the hole this loss has caused but pray that positive memories will keep Emily’s spirit in the minds of all those who miss her and provide some solace in the months ahead.
As with too many things that we take for granted, it often takes a major event to shake us out of our complacency so that we are able to view the world for what it is and how it functions. While most believe that small schools and tight-knit communities are special, seeing these in action in order to support people in a time of crisis is truly a sign that the world isn’t as bad as some would have us believe. It is unfortunate, and sad, that it is so often a tragedy that shows how caring communities can be.
The events of this past week and the resulting actions help validate Emily’s life. The responses from her fellow students, her teachers, and her community demonstrate the value she holds for them and the positive impact she had on their lives. William Wallace (an eleventh century Scottish revolutionary) wrote “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” In the time she had here, it was evident that Emily lived her life to the fullest and in a manner that touched others in significant ways.
Gateway’s students were shocked and saddened by this loss, but I give them much credit for helping each other throughout the days following the news, reacting in positive ways to channel their grief, and even going as far as to ask staff members if they needed support. The response from our staff members on Friday was outstanding, with a plan put into place to notify students in a personal manner, providing counseling services to students, and providing accommodations to everyone. The fact that we’re such a small school was evident in the impact Emily’s loss had on all students, and the willingness of so many students to step up and help others—both in school and in opening up their homes after school. It was encouraging to see some of our normally more reticent students reaching out to others, to see different students taking strong leadership roles throughout the day, and to see teachers and support staff working so closely with our adjustment and guidance counselors. I am grateful to our adjustment and guidance counselors, to our nurses, our administrators and the School Based Health Center counselor who all worked together to provide the necessary services to support students and staff throughout the day and to offer additional support over an extended period of time.
I also appreciated the efforts and thoughts of so many others in helping the district work through this loss. In a time where ‘sensational’ news is often negative and in your face, I was grateful that Channel 40 News agreed to meet with administrators off campus and forego interviewing students. What many do not know is that our basketball teams were willing to forfeit their last games (for the girls, foregoing a perfect league record) if they conflicted with services for Emily. Thanks to the efforts of our athletic director and the willingness of Dean Tech, the girl’s Basketball Senior Night was able to be rescheduled for a second time within a week. While I’m not surprised at the number of students who attended the wake, the comment made to me during the wake that it seemed as though every student (and a number of alumni) from the high school had been there to share Emily’s life, is certainly a reflection of the importance she played in the school.
I also was able to witness the support provided by the town and townspeople – lighting from the Russell Fire Department, opening the town hall during the vigil on the green, the positive police presence, and the number of residents showing up to support the family from across the district. This outpouring of support, so often evidenced throughout the hilltowns during difficult times, and the positive and appropriate responses from students and staff, are a testament to the close-knit community that so many call home. I know that this loss will permeate the activities of the senior class as they move towards graduation and that in this the students, family, and friends of Emily will all share in grieving their loss while remembering the good times they had together. My wish for all is that you move forward and make the most of the time you have, or, as expressed in the words of Jonathan Swift – “May you live all the days of your life.”
