Community Holds Candlelight Vigil for Benton HS Student
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: November 21, 2012
Community members and students gathered at Benton High School for a candlelight vigil in honor 17-year-old Drew Melton. The teen softball player died in a car crash early Wednesday morning in Bryant riding along with four other teens.
"She was so outgoing. She could light up a room as soon as she walked in with her smile," said Sydnee Golman.
"Last time I saw her was last night and I'm so glad I said, 'Hey Drew'," said Drew's friend Alicia Sandage. "The softball family is a close family and it wasn't just losing a friend it was more like losing a sister."
Students from Benton, Bryant, and Bauxite Schools dropped their rivalries to unite for a night. Students and community members held hands, singing, praying, and sharing stories about the popular softball player known to make people laugh.
"That's how we've gotten through it telling stories of funny or stupid stuff she did," added Sandage.
While Drew's life was cut short, friends say they'll hold on to these memories and continue to make new ones in her honor.
"We're going to try and have the best season we possible can just for Drew. She will never be forgotten cause everyone loved her," Golman said.
Known as an avid softball player, her father told the crowd she's probably turning a double play in heaven.
Friends are selling bracelets to help Drew's family pay for funeral costs.
"She was so outgoing. She could light up a room as soon as she walked in with her smile," said Sydnee Golman.
"Last time I saw her was last night and I'm so glad I said, 'Hey Drew'," said Drew's friend Alicia Sandage. "The softball family is a close family and it wasn't just losing a friend it was more like losing a sister."
Students from Benton, Bryant, and Bauxite Schools dropped their rivalries to unite for a night. Students and community members held hands, singing, praying, and sharing stories about the popular softball player known to make people laugh.
"That's how we've gotten through it telling stories of funny or stupid stuff she did," added Sandage.
While Drew's life was cut short, friends say they'll hold on to these memories and continue to make new ones in her honor.
"We're going to try and have the best season we possible can just for Drew. She will never be forgotten cause everyone loved her," Golman said.
Known as an avid softball player, her father told the crowd she's probably turning a double play in heaven.
Friends are selling bracelets to help Drew's family pay for funeral costs.
