This morning at 8:00am, students from Mansfield Middle School joined faculty members Kandis Howard, Malinda Wesley, and Principal Floyd Fisher on the football field, holding assorted colors of balloons in preparation of releasing them in memory of their friend, and classmate, Christian Bowlin who suddenly passed away over Summer vacation.
“Christian Bowlin was a 5th grade student that abruptly passed away over Summer vacation. Christian was an avid Boy Scout and loved discussing various topics with his teachers” said MMS Principal, Floyd Fisher. “Christian was one of those students that always had a smile and made everyone’s day a little brighter. Several of Christian’s classmates were not aware of his passing until the school year began”
Kanzden Seajack approached Mr. Fisher during the first week of school, and wanted a way to honor Christian and remember the impact he made of his fellow peers lives. Kanzden assembled a team of friends that would help him with the tribute. The students spent several weeks working toward a way to honor Christian and his memory.
The students wanted to do something fun to remember Christian, but also something to memorialize him as well. The students decided on a balloon release for Christian and September 7th seemed to work for Christian’s parents. Students used cups to display Christian’s name in the fence for students to see the entire school year
At approximately 7:00 am this morning, John Broadway arrived the earliest to start airing up approximately 100 balloons. Kanzden shortly joined with his mother and brother to help complete the balloon process. Drew, Fisher, and Tyler arrived prior to school to help pass out balloons to their classmates.
Students decided to lead a quiet march to the football and say a few words to honor Christian. Kanzden spoke briefly before the young men released eleven yellow balloons that represented Christian’s age, six red balloons to honor their 6th grade classmate, and the approximately 80 more balloons of various colors. The balloons were primarily composed of yellow, blue, and green to represent colors associated with Boy Scouts.
Christian’s family was in attendance and the students held a moment of silence to honor their late friend.
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