As my hometown knows, a little over a year ago, Heaven gained an angel. Noelle Nicole New was tragically taken from us too soon. She was an inspiration, a daughter, a sister and a friend to all who knew her. I want to remember her for her, not what was done to her.

First and foremost, she was maybe the best Christian I have ever met. She had an internship at Victory Church, and she loved it so much. She could talk about Jesus and all His miracles for hours at a time. I never saw her turn someone away, and she let her faith be known to everyone who would listen. She once made a post, saying that she imagined every time someone accepts Jesus into their hearts God gets real excited, pulls the picture out of his wallet and says to the angels "Look guys my baby came home. Let's have a party," and then they have a big party in Heaven.

She loved people. She could, and did, talk to people for hours. I remember being in the junior high office and her asking me about being in the OU band, since I had planned to audition. She didn't know anything about marching band, or what it was like to audition, but her interest and encouragement were genuine. But that may be because her dream (and only choice) for college was OU. If you knew Noelle, you knew she was going to OU. Even in middle school, her love for OU was evident and she had her life planned out.

She was by far the sassiest person I've ever met. It didn't matter what the situation was, she'd find a way to be sassy and make everyone laugh. She was a debater and medaled at tournaments. She could argue about anything, but made sure she listened to the other person's argument, even if she disagreed. She'd let you know if you were wrong, but she'd always give you something to think about. She was one of the most intelligent people I'd ever met and did excellent in her school work. She always let our math teachers know how unfair word problems were, and she always seemed to have them do one or two per homework assignment. Thanks, Noelle!

I didn't know her the best, but I don't have to know what she stood for. She is missed daily, but her legacy lives on. She has touched so many lives. Her mother has started a scholarship in her name, and I know she is up in heaven, smiling as her tragedy leads to more people getting the chance at an education, something she supported wholeheartedly. She is still with us, in the memories of her family and friends. Her mother asked that when we go about our lives, to use the hashtag #liveonNoelle to bring her with us.

Here's to you, Noelle. Your story isn't done, and I will make sure I live life to the fullest, taking you along for the ride. I hope you enjoy your front row seat from Heaven, laughing at all the dumb things everyone you know is doing, and being there in the times we need you most. I wish you were here, but I know with God, you're at your happiest.

#liveonNoelle