On Wednesday, May 14, the Manual community gathered to pay respects to the life of Davis Randle, an HSU senior who passed away earlier this month. Students, staff and Randle’s family began to gather in the courtyard around 7 a.m. for the flower vigil.
A picture of Randle was placed in the Memorial Garden, located underneath a large tree in the courtyard. Staff and students had the opportunity to place flowers and flameless candles around Randle’s photo during and after the vigil. The flowers will remain in the Memorial Garden all week before removal.
Principal Dr. Michael Newman began the ceremony with a message of remembrance about Randle, followed by statements from friends and family. A moment of silence was held before students were dismissed to class.
“Students, I am greatly sorry for the pain that losing a classmate and a friend can cause. I hope that with this type of ceremony, we can come together as a school community and begin to heal,” Dr. Newman said in a letter to students inviting them to the memorial.
Randle’s visitation and funeral were held Friday, May 9 at Saint Stephen’s Baptist Church.
Donations can be made in honor of Randle to Charley’s Rainbow, a foundation that raises funds for research and funds for childhood cancer patients and their families.
