... I'm finding it hard to go on with details about that day, so I will simply say that we were all there to try and make sense of what had happened, but it seemed impossible... they were gone. That day there were a lot of tears and not so many words. Looking back I realize that we pulled together in that moment to share our pain and while tears and hugs were all we could offer one another, it was more than enough.
Ask anyone in the Fairport community and they will tell you that all of these girls were bright, energetic and vivacious young women. Each was known individually for her quirks. If you would like to know more about who these amazing young women were, I have attached links to Facebook pages dedicated to each of them.
While in High School, Bailey, Hannah and I served as Asset Ambassadors for the Leadership Asset Training Program in Perinton. Being a part of the Fairport-Perinton Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth Developmental Assets® Initiative was a turely positive and unique experience. We served as an essential part of the program’s mission; to provide leadership, knowledge and resources to promote healthy children, youth and communities. The program took place monthly at a community center, where a group of 9th graders would arrive by bus for a entire day of skits, videos, group activies, and of course food. I remember on one occation the students were supposed to sign up with a group to create a skit. Bailey, Hannah and I were group leaders, and not one person signed up for our group. So, we went around being goofy... I did have a video tape of this day, but I have looked everywhere and cannot find it.
It was because of Bailey’s involvement and commitment to the Initiative that her family designated the program as the recipient of contributions made in Bailey’s memory. Those contributions are being used to produce Bailey’s Book: A Community Celebrates Its Assets, a compilation of student and community written essays linked to the 40 Developmental Assets® identified by the initiative.
I feel deeply honored to be a part of this project. As a committee member, I have seen each step of this process and witnessed our idea grow into something more amazing than I can explain with words. I know that Bailey would be elated with how this book has turned out. It is because of her that this book was created and will give people the chance to learn about the assets; something she was passionate about. I hope that Bailey's Book will also inspire those who read it to make positive choices, to reach out to others and give back, and to live a happier life. Bailey was truly an inspiration in my life, and I hope she can inspire yours too. I am grateful that I knew her, and will always keep her and her family in my heart.
The book is expected to be released by October 17th, Bailey's birthday.
You can can get involved too. One of our goals is to donate copies of Bailey's Book: A Community Celebrates Its Assets to as many classrooms and students in the Rochester area as possible. Details on how you can donate are on the Bailey’s Book website. Donate Here
Find out more about the Developmental Assets® Initiative in Perinton and the 40 Developmental Assets: More Information Here
Ask anyone in the Fairport community and they will tell you that all of these girls were bright, energetic and vivacious young women. Each was known individually for her quirks. If you would like to know more about who these amazing young women were, I have attached links to Facebook pages dedicated to each of them.
-Meredith- 
While the heartache will never completely fade, this untimely passing of five beautiful girl has inspired some truly amazing things. And so, I'd like to tell you about Bailey's Book - A Community Celebrates Its Assets
While the heartache will never completely fade, this untimely passing of five beautiful girl has inspired some truly amazing things. And so, I'd like to tell you about Bailey's Book - A Community Celebrates Its Assets
While in High School, Bailey, Hannah and I served as Asset Ambassadors for the Leadership Asset Training Program in Perinton. Being a part of the Fairport-Perinton Healthy Communities-Healthy Youth Developmental Assets® Initiative was a turely positive and unique experience. We served as an essential part of the program’s mission; to provide leadership, knowledge and resources to promote healthy children, youth and communities. The program took place monthly at a community center, where a group of 9th graders would arrive by bus for a entire day of skits, videos, group activies, and of course food. I remember on one occation the students were supposed to sign up with a group to create a skit. Bailey, Hannah and I were group leaders, and not one person signed up for our group. So, we went around being goofy... I did have a video tape of this day, but I have looked everywhere and cannot find it.
It was because of Bailey’s involvement and commitment to the Initiative that her family designated the program as the recipient of contributions made in Bailey’s memory. Those contributions are being used to produce Bailey’s Book: A Community Celebrates Its Assets, a compilation of student and community written essays linked to the 40 Developmental Assets® identified by the initiative.
I feel deeply honored to be a part of this project. As a committee member, I have seen each step of this process and witnessed our idea grow into something more amazing than I can explain with words. I know that Bailey would be elated with how this book has turned out. It is because of her that this book was created and will give people the chance to learn about the assets; something she was passionate about. I hope that Bailey's Book will also inspire those who read it to make positive choices, to reach out to others and give back, and to live a happier life. Bailey was truly an inspiration in my life, and I hope she can inspire yours too. I am grateful that I knew her, and will always keep her and her family in my heart.
The book is expected to be released by October 17th, Bailey's birthday.
You can can get involved too. One of our goals is to donate copies of Bailey's Book: A Community Celebrates Its Assets to as many classrooms and students in the Rochester area as possible. Details on how you can donate are on the Bailey’s Book website. Donate Here
Find out more about the Developmental Assets® Initiative in Perinton and the 40 Developmental Assets: More Information Here
RIP Angels -BG.HC.KS.SM.MM- 6.26.07
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