Allyson Hartz and Callie Zingas both ’16 | Staff Writers
Friends and family gathered today on the front lawn of South to plant a tree honoring student, friend and former teammate Drew Harrison.
Harrison, a member of the boys swimming and football teams as well as the orchestra, took his own life last May.
Harrison’s family, South’s orchestra, South administrators and students attended the ceremony where the orchestra commemorated Harrison’s life by playing “Grover’s Corners” by Aaron Copland, directed by orchestra teacher James Gross.
“As a father, I can empathize with the parents and the terrible loss they suffered. I also feel for our young students who lost a friend,” Principal Moussa Hamka said. He was among the crowd this afternoon.
Hamka spoke briefly about the importance of seeking help if one is in a troubled state and said South has a welcoming support system for anyone needing guidance.
At the ceremony, Drew’s father Chris Harrison, talked about the continuous support they have received from the community. Drew’s spirit will live on at South through all of the students he impacted, he said.
Drew’s friends composed small messages for him and placed them in the bottom of the tree’s new home. After placing the tree in the ground, anyone from the audience was invited to scoop dirt onto the tree’s roots.
Chris Harrison said, “We really appreciate all the continued thoughts, prayers and support we’ve received.”