‘In Loving Memory’: Forestville dedicates tree to student who passed
Forestville dedicates tree to student who passed
Submitted Photo Sky Hahn passed away on July 3 at the age of 15 following an accident while swimming in Lake Erie.
Pictured is a tree planted in memory of Sky Hahn, a Forestville student who passed away on July 3.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Sky Hahn’s family and his best friend are pictured surrounding the tree planted in his memory, with painted rocks and a plaque designed by his friends.
Shown is the plaque in Sky Hahn’s memory, designed by his friends.
Dan Grande, Middle/High School Principal, stood in front of a tree planted in Sky Hahn’s memory to address the crowd on Monday morning.
Submitted Photo Sky Hahn passed away on July 3 at the age of 15 following an accident while swimming in Lake Erie.
Pictured is a tree planted in memory of Sky Hahn, a Forestville student who passed away on July 3.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Sky Hahn’s family and his best friend are pictured surrounding the tree planted in his memory, with painted rocks and a plaque designed by his friends.
Shown is the plaque in Sky Hahn’s memory, designed by his friends.
Dan Grande, Middle/High School Principal, stood in front of a tree planted in Sky Hahn’s memory to address the crowd on Monday morning.
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FORESTVILLE -- Monday morning, the student body at Forestville Middle/High School gathered outside of the school to remember one of their own -- one whose absence is still felt each day, and whose memory will carry on for years to come.
Sky Hahn was memorialized with the planting of a tree outside of the school. The Middle/High School attended a ceremony dedicating the tree in his memory.
Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande spoke to the student body and Sky's family on Monday. He welcomed all to the ceremony and explained its purpose, as Monday would have been Sky's 16th birthday. He passed away on July 3 after drowning while swimming in Lake Erie.
"We gather to dedicate this tree in memory of our classmate, student, friend, Sky Hahn," Grande said. "While his absence makes this a difficult day, it also gives us a meaningful opportunity to come together to remember Sky, to celebrate his life, and to create something lasting in his honor."
Grande spoke for roughly five minutes before some of Sky's friends were invited to place painted rocks around the base of the tree. The tree was donated by the Forestville Student Council.
The tree was planted in a prominent place near the lobby of the school, at the back entrance near the school's auditorium. As the tree grows, so will Sky's presence at the school for years to come. Grande said the tree will serve "as a reminder that Sky was here, that his life mattered, and that he will always remain part of the Forestville family."
A moment of silence was held in Sky's honor before the ceremony concluded. Grande instructed the audience, "Please remember Sky in your own way. You may think about your favorite memory, something that made you smile, or simply the difference he made in the lives of those who knew and loved him."
After the ceremony concluded, Sky's family took a photo surrounding the tree, and Grande presented them with a plaque that Sky's friends helped design. The plaque featured a wolf in recognition of Sky's heritage as a member of the Wolf Clan. It also featured a basketball and the Buffalo Bills logo, as Sky was an avid Bills fan who also loved basketball. A quote on the plaque read, "Now our minds are one."
Sky would have been a sophomore this year at Forestville Middle/High School. Grande invited his family to the 2029 graduation and committed to having a seat reserved for Sky with his fellow classmates of the Class of 2029. Sky's friends will be invited to take photos around the tree at graduation.
Grande addressed Sky's family at the conclusion of the ceremony. He said, "Please know that Sky will not be forgotten. This tree, these stones, and this plaque will stand as lasting reminders of his place in our school, and especially in our hearts. May this tree grow strong; may it provide shade, comfort and peace; and may it always remind us of Sky and the many people whose lives were made better because he was part of them. Happy birthday, Sky."