Letters from classmates, teachers, and others in Shawn's life:
- Dear Shawn's Family,
I remember Shawn from sixth grade. He was a friend to me when others weren't. He was a great person and a good Christian person. I'm so sorry. I'll remember you in my prayers.
- Dear Family of Shawn,
Shawn was a very likable person. He had a great sense of humor. He didn't ever tease people. I remember in 5th grade he always played football with us. I'm very sorry this happened. I'd just like you to know that I'll pray for your family and Shawn and I'll be thinking of you. He'll really be missed by many people.
- Dear Shawn's Family,
As Shawn's religion teacher this year I was privileged to spend some quality time with him discussing many topics in our group.
What I always enjoyed about Shawn was the absolutely profound things he'd say - cutting right to the nuts and bolts of the topic with one or two simple sentences. He was such a bright, intuitive and sensitive person and we will ALL miss him deeply. Please remember our prayers are with you!
- SOUP FROM THE HEART - Showing how much we care!
On Monday morning, April 22, 1996 one desk was empty.
The sudden death of Shawn Andrew Crist causes moments of deep reflection for many of us. Shawn was fourteen and a student at St. Francis Jr. High. I only knew Shawn through his parents, Laurie and Bill Crist. They were parents who came to meet me when I was being interviewed for Superintendent last spring. Since then we have had occasions to be together and I have learned that they care about their schools and are involved in extraordinary voluntary service in our school and community.
On April 24 and 25, I was one of many from our School District attempting to show how much we care. Mike Wyatt filled Bill Crist's request to have two of Shawn's teachers speak at the memorial service. Paul Anderla and Carol Saba spoke compassionately and eloquently of Shawn's special memorable qualities and how much he will be missed. We all were deeply touched by older brother Ben telling us that Shawn will live on in his memory forever; and by the letter "to my son" written by Laurie. Many more members of our family of School District 15 employees were there to show how much we care.
This "Soup from the Heart" message is more than sharing experiences from this tragic event. I want to tell you how proud I am of our District 15 Family and that we show how much we care. Although this day is painful beyond any reason for the Crist family and so sad for Shawn's classmates, teachers, neighbors and friends; let's keep the memory of Shawn with us as we continue our service to young people. Let's remember how precious each and every child is that we serve. Let's all double our effort to give each one all the understanding and love we can give. They must know how much we care each and every day.
Most of the desks will be filled on Monday morning - one will be empty.
Dr. Jim Smith
Superintendent of Schools
