Tragedy struck a small community on October 5th when freshman, Nickolas Donnelly, was found dead. He went missing on the morning of October 4th when he went for a run around 10:00AM without a cell phone and never returned, according to NBC News.

Nick Donnelly was a loved son, brother, teammate, and friend. He was a valued member of the Shoreham Wading River Varsity Wrestling Team at a young age.

Our small community gathers, what seems like year after year, on the Shoreham sod farm to light and release lanterns in memory of our fallen friends while sharing all our favorite memories, both happy and sad. We are brought together with tears, hugs, and condolences that we wish we didn’t have to give.

The sky wasn’t the only thing brightened that night. Our Instagram feeds were filled with posts, pictures, and memories of Nick. Instagram acted as a joint eulogy in which everyone could participate.

Nick’s death came as a shock to most, and acted as yet another blow to our tight knit community.

Our community was deeply saddened when, earlier this year, Kevin Callejas, a 19-year-old SWR graduate was killed in a car accident. He was bound for greatness academically and in every way after graduating a year earlier than his expected date.

Almost exactly a year earlier from Nick’s death, our high school security guard, Rich Cambria, died in a car accident nearly 300 feet from his home at age 49. Rich’s lively and optimistic personality brought a smile to all students’ faces as he walked the halls, day after day, emitting happiness and laughter.

A year before that was the tragic death of Thomas Cutinella. Beloved son, brother, friend, student, teammate, confidante, and everything in between, Tom died after a collision on the football field. There are no words to describe the angelic goodness Tom emitted each day of his 16 years on Earth.

Almost exactly 2 years before this was the death of Terrence Ambro. Terrence graduated in 2012 and attended Ohio State University for a short time. His outgoing personality, sense of humor, and portrayal of confidence is what many remember from their years of attending school with Terrence.

As hard as it is to admit, this heart-wrenching list could go on and on, reaching farther back in time. Year after year, our community has repeatedly endured the pain of loss. Our parents feel like their children have been to more wakes, funerals, and candlelight vigils to last them a lifetime.

With every death and difficulty comes a sense of togetherness and betterment. The Thomas Cutinella Scholarship Foundation, which provides a scholarship to those who exhibit the same qualities he stood for, is an enlightening example. His parents, Frank and Kelli, actively work on improving football safety regulations on all levels, striving to make sure no child ever meets the same fate as Thomas.

Our SWR community grows stronger and stronger as a family with every life lost, learning as we go.

We never forget those who have left us; we never understand why they had to go. Mostly, we never stop missing them, wishing we had more time. But we learn to grow, for the sake of the fallen, into the best versions of ourselves we can fathom.

Our community flourishes on the basis of making Nick, Kevin, Rich, Thomas, Terrence, and all of those who have left us in the past, proud. Their memories will live on through our actions. Each life lost has inspired us to conduct our own lives in a way in which would honor them. Because of Thomas, we practice kindness and leadership. Because of Rich, we practice optimism and happiness. Because of Nick, we practice hard work and determination. There is something to be said for every fallen life.

Although we cannot all be together forever, we are all together in spirit. Shoreham Wading River. One community. One family.

We pray for the lives that we’ve lost, and stay thankful for the memories with which they left us.