By Charlotte Smith
In the musical “Hamilton,” a line says, “There are moments that the words don’t reach.” This week has brought gravity to this quote to the Clarkton community.
Clarkton School of Discovery held a memorial service on Wednesday afternoon for the sixth-grade student Kayleigh Nannette Norris, who died earlier this week. The family of Kayleigh was present for the service.
Kayleigh’s unexplained death on April 10, 2022, came as a shock to all who knew her. According to her friends and family, she was thirteen years young, healthy, and happy.
Kayleigh enjoyed band and art classes. She loved her school and riding her school bus, according to her grandmother, Mrs. Phyllis Long. “She was a prankster too,” her grandmother said, “She liked to joke around to make things fun.”
CSD eighth-graders helped lead the memorial service while Kayleigh’s family, classmates, and teachers gathered on the school’s front lawn. Carlee Atkinson read a poem, Danyelle Cotten sang “Amazing Grace,” and Paul Smith offered a prayer.
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The principal of CSD, Mrs. Heather Thompson, explained that because Kayleigh’s death was unexpected and no one had the opportunity to say goodbye, students would distribute bubbles to those in attendance so they could blow bubbles to symbolize kisses to Kayleigh in heaven.
View the memorial service on our YouTube channel linked below.
The Clarkton School of Discovery staff is working hard to help the students deal with the loss of their beloved classmate. The grief someone experiences due to the loss of a loved one is difficult at any age.
According to fullcirclegc.org, teens encounter grief from a place that already feels complicated. When researching grief, I found tips that can help offer condolences when words do not come easy.
– Grief may come in waves of emotions. One minute a person may feel happy from the memories of the person they lost, and the next moment, they may be crying, overwhelmed with the sense of loss. Be flexible and understand that there may be a rollercoaster of emotions to deal with after a loss. Hugs can help heal, and sometimes the physical embrace can be what is needed. On the other hand, not everyone likes to be touched, but if you are present with them, it lets them know they are not alone.
– It is essential to remember grieving is a process and is individualized with each person. People suffer in different ways. Recognize when someone may be experiencing loss due to death and offer support. Engage the grieving in conversation about the person that died. You may also want to check teens’ social media pages to offer condolences and support. However, consider that social media can be tricky, and you do not want to sensationalize the loss.
– Help is available. Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for support. According to professional counselors, grief can appear in drastic changes in behavior and uncharacteristic actions. Consult professional help when support is needed for a loved one dealing with grief. Trillium Health Resources is a managed care organization; call the Service Line at 1-877-685-2415 to seek assistance when needed.
– Keeping a person’s memory alive can help with grieving. There are many ways to memorialize someone; examples of this could be, supporting a cause the person was passionate about, making a tribute donation to a non-profit in their name, dedicating an event in their honor, or creating a living memorial garden.
Times such as these require a community to join together. Clarkton School of Discovery and Kayleigh’s family have set an example of beginning the healing process after losing someone dear.
According to Kayleigh’s obituary on Bladen Funeral Home, arrangements will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Band of Clarkton School of Discovery, 10000 N. College Street, Clarkton, NC 28433. Kayleigh’s obituary may be viewed at: https://www.
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