Dear Jackie,
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you, even though I never got the chance to meet you my freshman year of high school (but we both knew who the other was), you still have a place in my heart.
I remember the day before my first band camp; my grandmother was telling me all about you and your sweet mother, saying how excited you were to meet me, and I was so excited to meet you.
But sadly, God had other plans… On August 27.
Once I entered the band room, I was met with heart breaking cries. People all around the band room were holding each other, crying their hearts out for a friend who went away to soon.
Mr. Marvel decided that night, we would not march, but instead, be there for each other, and mourn the loss of you. And, send our prayers to Ashlee.
I went home that night after band camp, not knowing what to think. I remember sitting on my bed and starting to cry. You didn’t deserve this; neither did Ashlee. No one deserves this.
I learned a lot about you in the next few weeks; so many of your friends, family, and teachers spoke out at your viewing, describing the sassy, loving, funny, beautiful, down-to-earth soul.
And, I also learned that we had a lot in common; we both shared a strong love of Harry Potter and cats, we share a huge love for music and the band, and we would do anything for a friend. OH! And, we both played clarinet.
Class of 2013 suffered a big loss, but they continued to keep going as you would want them too. You will always remain in each and everyone one of your classmates' hearts, even if you’ve never formally met them.
You’ve taught me a lot in the past four years; one of the most important ones is to never take life for granted. You'll never know when it will be your last. And, to tell your family, tell your friends, your teacher, your pastor, anyone, how much they mean to you, and how much you love them dearly.
You were also one of the main reasons why I wanted to become a music teacher. After learning your future plans of wanting to become a band director, I made a connection with that. And, that helped me to continue to keep pushing myself 'til I reach my dream.
Thank you.
I know you're very proud of your mother for being the strong, wonderful, woman she is. With the help of your family and others, she created the Jackie Pavik Memorial Scholarship for Music, to help any senior band or choir kid who needed money for college, and is a Music Major.
Many wonderful, good-spirted people were awarded the scholarship, such as Christopher Chapdelaine (Class of 2013), Richard Scirvani (Class Of 2014), Olivia Crass (Class of 2014), Michaiah Hook (Class of 2014), Phoebe Walls (Class of 2015), and now, myself, Haylee Olley (Class of 2016).
In dedication to you, I will continue to go after my dream of becoming a Band director.
You've touched so many lives, including my own. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
And, no matter what, you will always be in my heart.
Love, Haylee
March On!
