As the third day of school came to a close, students gathered in the atrium and started to disperse. Many soon changed their mind and joined a collecting crowd of Wilson alumni, teachers, and administrators, dozens of uniformed Metropolitan Police Officers and family and friends of Wilson graduate Jamahri Sydnor.

Jamahri was tragically killed by a stray bullet while driving in Northeast Washington, DC and on Wednesday, August 23, Wilson hosted a vigil to commemorate her life. As administrators, teachers, and family members addressed the assembled crowd, most were at a loss for words. How can you properly memorialize someone who positively affected so many? they asked. What words can comfort the tragic loss of a death too soon? they said.

Mr. William Haith told of the passion Jamahri brought to choir and cheerleading. Both groups performed at the vigil. Ms. Patrice Arrington listed words that epitomized Jamahri’s life like “caring” and “love.” Fellow students reminisced that Jamahri often called them “daughter.” She inspired them to continue school and work even harder when they often were spotted slacking. And, Detective Q Wallace, Jamahri’s mother, thanked the group for all the love they showed throughout her daughter’s life.

Jamahri had been admitted to Florida A&M University and was planning to start in just a few weeks. A memorial service for Jamahri will be held September 2, 2017 at Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills Maryland.