Saint Mary's community mourns death of Kristi Morris
By MOLLY McVOY
Saint Mary's Editor
A single yellow ribbon will be on the wrist of each senior as they receive their diploma from Saint Mary's in remembrance of Kristi Morris, their classmate who died over spring break of this year.
Although Morris will not be walking with her classmates to receive her diploma, she was awarded an honorary degree at the social work hooding ceremony and her seat will remain empty at graduation. A single rose will sit in her place.
"[Kristi's death] is definitely heartbreaking and saddening," former student body president Nancy Midden said. "On a positive side, it has brought our class closer together. It has forced us to appreciate what we have in each other."
Although Morris's death leaves many of the seniors saddened, the senior class still feels the excitement and pride that come with every graduation.
"We are mourning her loss at graduation, but we are also celebrating our accomplishments," said senior class president Anne Pangilinan.
In addition to the honorary degree, the senior class board has instituted the Kristi Morris Memorial Fund. The board sent letters to all current students requesting donations for the fund.
A run/walk was also scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. All of the proceeds from the two-mile run/walk will be donated to the Kristi Morris Memorial Fund. Results of the event were unavailable at press time.
A memorial for Morris was included as a part of the video commemorating the four years the seniors spent at Saint Mary's.
Midden feels that, along with bringing the senior class together, Morris's death has taught the Class of 2000 not to take what they have for granted.
"We have to see everything we have in each of our classmates," she said. "We have to appreciate every moment we have, because each one is fleeting."
Morris was killed in a car accident while traveling to Myrtle Beach for spring break. After driving all night to reach South Carolina, Morris fell asleep at the wheel. Junior Sarah Williams was injured in the accident, but has recovered.
The senior class held a candlelight prayer service in Morris's honor when the students returned from spring break. Morris was a resident of South Bend and a graduate of Saint Joseph's High School.
All News Stories for Friday, May 19, 2000
