Children
remembered
in graduation
ceremonies

By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

DRAFFENVILLE – The children of Central Elementary in Draffenville have experienced more loss in one year than children should have to experience in a lifetime.

The students grieved the deaths of three fellow classmates during the school year – second-grade student Gunner Gillespie, second-grade student John Derek Bohannon and his sister, fourth-grader, Abbey Bohannon.

Gunner was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2007 and eventually lost his battle with cancer on the afternoon of October 23.

John Derek and Abbey died along with their mother when a fire swept through their home in the early morning hours of March 23.

As Abbey’s teacher Mrs. Margaret Luker said in this year’s closing graduation ceremonies, “it’s been a very difficult year for the students, we have had a lot to deal with.”

To help aid the children in coping with the loss of their fellow classmates, Gunner’s mother, Jana Gillespie, approached teachers about creating a lasting memorial for the students.

Together, the students, teachers and Gillespie decided on items that, in some way, best represented the life of each child.

For Gunner, it was a blue train, his favorite, adorned with stickers placed by classmates, ones that reminded them of all the wonderful memories they held of their friend.

For John Derek, it was an orange race car.

Students also decorated it with things that reminded them of their class mate.

And for both boys, students wrote notes containing personal sentiments of their affection for their friends.

For Abbey, the fourth grade-class wrote personal messages to her on a soccer ball. Abbey loved to play soccer. Students also wrote about special memories they held about Abbey’s friendship and her love of life.

In graduation ceremonies, the items were carefully placed in chairs, alongside their fellow classmates, right where the students would have been seated.

Even though their bodies were not present, their memory was fully recognized.

Gillespie said each year, the train, race car and soccer ball will move up a grade level, just as the students would have.

Teachers will take turns having the items in their class rooms, ensuring the memories of the children will never fade. Upon graduation, the items will be given to the class valedictorian, who will then assume the responsibility of bringing them back to each class reunion.

Of its symbolism, Gillespie said, “Kids grieve in different ways. Even as adults, we struggle with the loss of our loved ones.

“I just thought of how neat it would be for the students to have a reminder of these children as they move up through the years.”

Gillespie said it is her hope that these three children will never be forgotten. “Kids are visual learners. So, this has been a wonderful activity for the children to help them through the grieving process and it has certainly been a good experience for me.”

For more pics, see page A6.