Memorial hardin valley academy gofundme, elise kersch car accident
Farragut Alderman Scott Meyer discussed a recent neighborhood disaster at the conference of Mayor and Aldermen, which he directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elise Kersch 's tragedy, senior student / athlete (volleyball) at the Hardin Valley Academy, was Meyer's subject, having known and mentored her as a volleyball parent through K2 Volleyball Club alongside his two daughters.
The 17-year-old allegedly took her own life last weekend.
"I want to take a minute to honor ... Elise Catherine Kersch, a teenager I mentored — one of many I mentor," said Meyer. "She didn't live in Farragut, but touched many (in our community).
"She played Hardin Valley Academy volleyball and was an elite K-2 volleyball player. She was a senior, straight-a-student. She collaborated on her research experiment with NASA. Beyond her years, she was smarter, "he said.
"Last month, she flew her first solo flight; she travelled to 21 countries; stunning. You could see her profile on every magazine's cover.
He then paired Elise with a note.
"She (apparently) took her own life this weekend," he said. "We conclude it was due to virtual school tension, loneliness, lockout and minimal volleyball.
"In addition to telling us (to begin with) social distancing and washing hands, I advise any mom, grandparent, aunt , uncle, cousin — whoever has a teen in his life — please know what's going on with them," he continued. "Know what's in their minds. Be diligent, ask, be irritating.
"Over the next few days, everyone who met Elise should feel relaxed recognizing that while she didn't change the world like she had dreamed, but this incredible young woman changed the world, and we're better for it," Meyer said.
HVA responses
HVA Principal Dr. Rob Speas also wrote on the social media disaster, mentioning late last week how the "Spirit Rock" school was turned into a monument for Elise, built earlier this year near the main entrance to be decorated to support numerous events, charities and individuals.
"I know we're suffering when we mourn our dear Elise," Speas said. "She was really a star burning brilliantly, sharing her glory around her. Her effect will be felt by all for coming days. Much has been said about Elise 's amazing memorial built by students. Although suffering, we must start healing.
"A challenging part of recovery is going on, back to normalcy," he said. "We don't forget our love for Elise, and we emphasize and remember our love for each other. We know how we work, how Elise lived — full of joy, vitality, enthusiasm, affection. The HVA rock will be painted on Fall Break Thursday when we recover.
Stay a memorial?
Although Speas noted on Twitter the rock will be repainted this week after the Fall Break at Knox County Colleges, Friday, Oct. 9, announcement was met with uproar on social media demanding the rock to remain a memorial.
"Painting over rock won't make us transform to normal," Nyla Marie (@nylamarie215) wrote. "She's gone, she's going to stay with us. Why can't we respect it? I don't know.
HVA student Kaycie Hawkins answered, "We got over 3,500 signatures. That's Everybody in school plus more than 1,000 people. All school likes Elise. You can paint the rock, but it won't 'help us move on,' it'll make us mad."
Hawkins pointed to a petition initiated by HVA student Laila Simone on change.org, calling for the remaining memorial rock. It gained 3,631 signatures this past weekend.
Community activist Kim Frazier, whose two sons attend HVA, serves on the HVA Foundation Council. She secured the school's "Spirit Rock" earlier this year and has since offered to secure another that would allow Elise's memorial to stand.
"I'll do whatever it takes to make our city respect Elise students , teachers and families," she said.
Speas also said, "We got several concerns and queries about HVA rock ... contact me for questions"at rob.speas@knoxschools.org."
Life Celebration, Legacy
Elise's obituary even enumerated her too short life's many achievements. A Life Celebration service was held at Click Funeral Home in Farragut Wednesday, Oct. 7, where HVA and K2 volleyball players acted as honorary pallbearers.
To celebrate the legacy and commitment to the sport that Elise Kersch cherished, Volley4life created a Memorial Scholarship Fund that will give one or two scholarships each year to worthy players who normally couldn't afford to play club volleyball.
Donations up to $8,500 will be made at https:/www.gofundme.com/elise-kersch-memorial-scholarship-fund on Monday, Oct. 12.