News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove Luther J. Schilling William E. Young William J. Butler
Hadley Middle Homer Jr. High
Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager
cbrautigam@homerschools.org | 708-226-7628
For Immediate Release:
Dec. 2, 2016
Schilling School Grades 1-4 Principal Candis Gasa prepares to unveil Tristan’s Buddy Bench on Friday, Dec. 2.
Schilling School students, staff remember classmate with special bench
Tristan’s Buddy Bench added next to playground
Schilling School students and staff will never forget their buddy Tristan, a third-grader who passed away earlier this year.
On Friday (Dec. 2), Tristan’s schoolmates gathered on the school playground to dedicate a bright blue bench in his memory.
Schilling School students file past Tristan’s Buddy Bench following Friday’s dedication ceremony
“Tristan had a larger than life personality,” said Principal Candis Gasa. “He was so vibrant; he touched so many of our lives. We want to keep that spirit and energy alive.”
Students cheered as Tristan’s parents pulled back a tarp to reveal the Cubbie blue bench with the words “Tristan’s Buddy Bench” carved along the back.
Tristan was Chicago Cubs through and through.
“With Tristan on their side, it’s no wonder the Chicago Cubs took the World Series,” said Gasa.
The Buddy Bench was purchased with donations from friends and families throughout Homer 33C, including many of the school Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs).
The Schilling School PTO has been especially generous, purchasing red and blue ribbons for Tristan’s classmates to tie around trees and tulip bulbs for them to plant along the front of the school.
The tulips will “hug” Schilling School in the spring, said Gasa, reminding students of their special friend.
“Tristan was an amazing friend,” she said. “Make sure you think of him.”
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