Death is a challenge for all of us to deal with but the sudden death of a young person of good character is even harder for us. This past week has been a challenging week with the sudden passing of Andy Crowe. We will all have seen the articles in the Courier and in our local Advertiser that gave wonderful tributes and news of what has happened.
I have been chatting with the Head teacher, Mr. Dempsey, at Brechin High School and want to share some from him this week. So a bit of a collaborative effort...
“The school community especially has been affected by the tragic death of one of our pupils, Andy Crowe on Friday 29 October. Special assemblies were held on Monday 1 November to pay tribute to him. It provided an opportunity for the school to share stories about Andy’s life and encourage the young people to talk and celebrate his life and his achievements. He was an inspiration to all of us to set targets and goals for ourselves. Andy’s family have encouraged young people to talk about him and share his memories with each other. Jon Bergen and a member of the Angus Council Educational Psychology staff attended the assemblies and were available throughout Monday to offer advice and support. The pupils have responded in a most respectful way to the sad loss of a valued member of the school community.”
As I have watched the students and interacted with them I want to brag on what a great group of students I have talked with at the High School. The staff at the High School have been marvellous as well, both in support and example of how to live through hardship. I have been amazed to see and hear of the many ideas that have come out of the student body to show caring and appreciation for Andy and the support for each other and Andrew’s family.
Mr. Dempsey wanted to share some of the many ideas that have come as a tribute to Andy these include:
“On Thursday 4 November, the football team asked for the whole to participate in one minute’s applause before morning interval;
On Tuesday 9 November and Thursday 11 November, the school canteen will serve Andy’s favourite meal, spaghetti Bolognese, with donuts;
A mural is being designed for the fitness suite; a memorial plaque is to be placed in the fitness suite; Walks are being planned around some of Andy’s running routes; a cup will be awarded at Prize Giving 2011 in his honour for a sporting achievement; Running events are being planned for later in the school session.”
The funeral service was a moving, emotional occasion for all those who attended. We will never forget the tributes from Andy’s family and friends. The whole community has been affected by the events of the last week. We have been reassured by the strength and resilience shown by the young people in the way they have responded. They have bonded to provide support and comfort to each other. It was also moving for myself, Mr. Dempsey and most of all the family to see the tremendous support of students, Cadets, the Royal Marines and so many others of our fair City and area that packed the Cathedral on a bright but chilly Saturday morning to show honour for a fine young man. I know for my part one of my encouragements was for all to look to Andy’s example and to live life to that high standard so that our lives matter and are not just wasted. Andy’s life was not wasted; it was lived to the full. How can we not desire to follow that example?
Yours in Service,
Rev. Jon Bergen and Mr. Steve Dempsey
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