On Monday, May 18, at 3:45 p.m., Jackson-Reed students filed out of the double doors leading to the football field to attend a memorial ceremony commemorating the life of JR senior Brady Flowers II.
As around 100 staff, students, teammates, and family members walked onto the field, they received blue balloons “in honor of Brady’s favorite color,” Athletic Director Patrice Arrington said.
Flowers’ father, Brady Flowers Sr., held a bouquet of flowers. He was joined by Flowers’ mother, Shantae Flowers, his sister, JR junior Summer Flowers, and his aunt, Alisha Cole.
The community formed a circle around Arrington, who spoke first about Flowers, who was 18 years old. “While his life was far too short, the way he lived, it spoke volumes about the type of young man he was,” she said. “Brady was a student who understood perseverance.”
Reflecting on Flowers’ dedication to his aspirations, Arrington said, “He never stopped working towards his future, and that determination is something worth recognizing and remembering.”
Flowers passed away on May 8, a day after he was shot in close proximity to the school. He was a captain of the JR football team and was set to graduate with the Class of 2026 next month.
Throughout the past week, students decorated Flowers’ locker by creating a collage of photos, leaving flowers taped to the locker, and a teddy bear and flower in a vase on the floor.
Other members of staff spoke at the memorial. Restorative Justice Coordinator Minoso Rodgers reflected on Flowers’ importance and belonging within the community. Social studies teacher Clarence Alston ended the ceremony with a recitation of a religious psalm.
Before the remembrances, Flowers’ family walked to the middle of the circle, holding green balloons. Summer Flowers spoke movingly about her personal memories and experiences with her brother.
As the ceremony came to a close, staff, students, and family released about 100 blue and green balloons into the sky in memory and respect for Flowers. Afterwards, attendees were invited to speak to the family and share condolences.
As students and staff left the field, they could hear a chant echoing from football teammates and friends: “Three, two, one, Brady!” •
