After tragic news spread throughout the Moreno Valley community regarding the passing of Landmark Middle School student Diego, students, staff and families close to the school organized a Remembrance Ceremony to honor the life of Diego on Thursday, September 26, 2019.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved student, and we will continue to offer our thoughts and prayers as they cope with this devastating loss,” said Dr. Martinrex Kedziora regarding Diego’s passing. “He was beloved by his classmates, teachers and by his community. Diego will be missed greatly by the entire MVUSD school community.”
Parents, students and staff held hands and prayed together for Diego’s family and the community. The ceremony included student performances by choirs from Moreno Valley High School, Valley View High School, Vista Heights Middle School, a beautiful duet by Isaias and Mia, messages to Diego by Landmark Middle School students, and speeches by district and school officials, as well as author Erin Gruwell and Assemblyman Jose Medina.
Teacher Mrs. Kchouri also read an essay by Diego called “Everybody Needs a Hero” and another teacher read “What’s so great about Monday,” sharing Diego’s own words with the audience. In his hero essay, Diego said being a hero means taking care of everybody, including ourselves. Heroes “don’t stand up just for themselves, but for everybody.”
Students and Landmark Principal Scott Walker read inspirations and shared fond memories of Diego. Students moved those in attendance by expressing how they were in pain, but for the love of Diego, they would stand up and look ahead.
Thank you to all students, staff and community members who organized and attended the Remembrance Ceremony for Diego.
“Diego is with us and will remain with us,” said Board President Jesús M. Holguín. “Diego is reaching us we all need to work together, communicate better and continue to improve our systems.”