Published: Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 08:23 AM
Mural tributes planned for Nation Ford students
FORT MILL TOWNSHIP --
Bronzing the shoes that once graced Luke Hoover's feet as he ran cross country and leaving them in a trophy case wouldn't do.
Painting a tree that would spread roots as fast as Michelle DiBernardini made friends wouldn't do.
Erecting statues or dedicating plaques atop columns couldn't do justice the memory of two fallen Nation Ford High School students who died six days apart last month in two separate vehicle accidents.
About two weeks after Luke and Michelle's families and extended school family paid their final respects, an idea fitting of a tribute was born. Starting this week, a team of four students will construct two murals honoring Luke and Michelle.
Those murals, to be anchored near the school's athletics wing and the early childhood class, will showcase at least one of Luke's and Michelle's passions, said Deborah Birosik, a Nation Ford High art teacher.
“His will be a silhouette of him running because cross country was so important to him,” she said. “Michelle's mural is going to be a picture of the world surrounded by kids that look like paper cutouts holding hands.”
Elise Koerner, 16, a junior, will help draw the mural that celebrates Luke's life.
“I am really honored that I got asked to do this, draw someone who was really dear to our school,” Koerner said. “This is keeping him alive in our school.”
Kent Bonebrake, 18, a senior who ran cross country with Luke, also will help create the mural.
“It's awesome,” Bonebrake said of the mural. “It will show everything he lived for. He was a runner, and he loved it. To be able to see that everyday will remind me of why I run.”
Seventeen-year-old Shelby Saunders plans to craft a mural that captures just how friendly Michelle was. The senior and Michelle once shared some classes during their 10th grade year, and Shelby never forgot Michelle – a friend to all.
“She talked to everyone,” Saunders recalled. “She was always so nice. She made everyone laugh.”
That's why the mural showcasing Michelle is so important, Saunders said. “It will be good to do something to remember her by,” Saunders said.
Both murals should be completed after Thanksgiving in time for a joint memorial service for Luke and Michelle, their families and their extended families, Principal Beverley Bowman said.
“We want to do something official, a tribute service,” she said. “We want to take time and highlight both of their lives.”
A tentative tribute is planned for Dec. 3. Candles, friends and family are welcome.
Because, friends said, that's what Michelle and Luke would have wanted.
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