Tuesday, February 16, 2021

All Souls' Day- 2017

 ON THIS DAY

3 years ago
On this ALL SOULS Day, too many of my former students are on my mind. REST IN PEACE to my students from Loyalsock HS, Jenkintown HS, Strousburg HS and Springfield HS
From 1981-2010
It’s been great to reconnect with my students on social media. To date, I’m connected one way or another to almost 3,000 of my 10,000 students. For years, they left us after high school and we never heard from them again and I often wondered what happened to them. Did the superstars stay on top? Did the marginal students find more success in their adult world? Were they happy and productive? Did they have children and now view the world differently?
I have to say that I’ve been really pleased with so many of their success stories.
But the downside of staying connected to these people is learning of their deaths. I am losing too many, too soon, too senselessly. Drug overdosing seems to be the biggest culprit for many of these young deaths. Regardless of how they go, each death is a loss to me.
Aaron Gorman
Aaron Tomsho
Adam Joachim
Alex Ghassan
Alyssa Coulston
Angie Conway
Ben Weiss
Beverly Broome
Billy Tashjian
Blair Heron
Bob Gordon
Bobbie Clements
Brant Marino
Brian Cassimissma
Brian Flieggle
Bridget Delaney
Candi Carpender
Carlos Fitzpatrick
Casey Feldman
Chris Senkow
Chris Simms
Colleen Kilkner
Collin Kunklin
Craig Kramer
Dave Adams
David DeWain
David Mojica
David Touchton
David Tourscher
Dennis – class of 1995
Dennis Serfass
Donna Schweinberg
Doug Paul
Doug Ruddy
Dustin Mumbauer
Eric McGurk-
Erin Galligan
Frank Schaffer- 2004
Gabby Oberti
Garrett- car accident
Graham Gower
Greg Bloomfield
Holly Winters
Jack Shaeffer
Jackie Kellie
Jay Keefer
Jeff Younken
Jeni Harris
Jennifer Furlong
Jeremy Steen
Jesse Schlomer
Jimmy Stewart
Joel Anderson
Joe Hull
John Gormly
John Piechocki- 2003
Justin Smith
Kate Leary
Kathy Cuff
Kevin Picard
Kyle Sabel
Laura
 Hill
Lee Papadopolous
Marrisa Twaska
Matt Conklin
Matt Halcomb- 1990
Matt Kolb
Matt Lopicalo- 2001
Matt McGill
Matt Tracey
Matt Turner
Melissa Pearl
Mike Davies
Mike Myers
Mike Petrillis
Mike Schecter
Mike Stewart
Mike Transue
Mitch Counterman
Mark Wertman
Nick Petrolli
Ottmar Hagerty
Pat Grady
Pat Tracey
Raeford MacIlwaine
Rebecca Davidson
Sarah Bullock
Sarah Wolf- 1989
Sean Burrill
Sean Rice- 1985
Shane Hansen
Shannon Murphy
Shari Wilson
Shawn Bennett
Stacy Thomas
Steve Wolf
Susan Polanco
Tim Batchler
Tina Michaels
Veronica Kish
Vincent J. Hill
You, Kathy Flatley Bandos, Kathi Lewis and 210 others
135 Comments
5 Shares
Share

Comments

  • Joey Ferrell
    You were the best principal I ever had. I'll never forget you and how you helped my thru my difficult Senior year. You were a great support system for me and I'll never ever forget that. The fact you are friends with so many of your former students spe… 
    See More
    9
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Betty Diane Ulrich
    Bless you Bridget
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Norma Meade
    May they all Rest In Peace. The fact that you still remember them is a tribute to the relationship you had with your students.
    8
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Janet Van Horn
    Dennis Serfass and Angie Conaway - class of 1997 (neither drug related)
    Thank you Dr. Kelly for staying in touch with all of us after all these years! SHS ALUMNI
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      More sad news. I will add them to the list.
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
    • Janet Van Horn
      My condolences to all of the families who have lost their loved one too soon! 🙏🏼
      1
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
  • Dennis Higgins
    Wow. There were some familiar names that I hadn't known had passed on. Thank you for this.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Soraya Thompson
    Too many gone too soon 😕
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Carole Lange
    Damn Bridget! That list is far too long and those kids died far too young. Kudos to you for keeping their memory alive.
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    View 1 more reply
  • Michael Morris
    God bless ...
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Blyndra Kue
    Thank you for keeping in touch for many years after! You are one of my favorite principals (SHS Class of 2001)! It saddens me that so many have passed early. I fell in a mass depression after Aaron passed.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Charlotte Ostrander
    Thank you Dr. Kelly for the love youve shown all of us. I was saddened to recognize many names on the list. I thought as i read this, my name was close to being there. Im so thankful to be alive!!! I pray for continued strength and seeing my friends not making it reminds me why I must remain strong.
    4
    • Love
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Joanne Murphy Pappalardo
    OMG 
    Bridget E Kelly
    , that is a long, sad list. Saw some I knew from Stroudsburg. It's wonderful that you take the time to stay in touch. Sal just got started on FB not too long ago and has heard from many of his former 4th graders. The best is when t… 
    See More
    9
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Joanne Murphy Pappalardo
    So true. The world is a different place. Keep being the wonderful friend you are. You still make a difference .
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Edited
  • Shelly Litts-Schultz
    You were incredible to us students. As a member of the class of 1990 at Stroudsburg High I graduated. It was nice you remembered them. Craig Kramer was one of my best friends. Lord he is missed. So are the rest of them. Thank you!
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      Craig's death really shook me. I got a call from a parent around midnight to tell me that he died. I had just spoken to Craig at the end of the school day. I couldn't believe it.
      2
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
    • Shelly Litts-Schultz
      I know it was a terrible tragedy so shocking. His friends and family were devestated. He had the best smile just so sad on the inside
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
    View 10 more replies
  • Stephanie Cipriani Morrison
    Thank you so much Dr. Kelly for honoring these friends of our past. They were all taken too soon, and your love reminds us not to take our lives for granted and to be thankful every day for how far we have come. Even in our darkest hours, we have been … 
    See More
    9
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Diane Wescott
    Thank you Bridgett. I saw names that I remember. It made me sad.
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Robert Dudley
    Was just thinking about Frank yesterday
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Sal Pappalardo
    You honor those who are gone
    in speaking fondly them, Bridget! God Bless you!
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Chris Belton
    My heart breaks over this list....So many children we have taught and loved and lost.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Tara Broczkowski
    Amazing... Your dedication to following the lives of your students - and the empathy you share with their families and loved ones! I was saddened by the loss of the students I taught in the years that I was at SHS 😢
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Michelle Mehan Patterson
    Great thoughts .... Have you read Grit by Angela Duckworth.... thinking you probably have but if you haven't great read....
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Gloria Handling
    Thank you for remembering these students so fondly. I too, recognized so many names. Prayers for their families to find comfort and peace.☝💙
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Michelle Mehan Patterson
    So saddened by the loss of all those ....no longer with us, it touches every family... thinking of you..
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Sarah Phillips
    Thank you for remembering! ❤ Thank you for touching so many hearts!
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Heather Lynn Hartman
    Wow I can believe so many friends and classmates. I didn't know Jeff Younkin had passed away. 💔 so many kids from the Class of 91. You're amazing for keeping us all in your heart Dr. Kelly, I wish you were still at SHS, we could use some greatness back… 
    See More
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Edited
  • Wendy Conway Scott
    Thank you Dr. Kelly for keeping their spirits in all of our hearts.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Lynn Talbot
    Can't believe u have kept up with all these lives
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Chrisy Sorrenti
    Dr. Kelly, is the Matt Conklin on the list from SHS? P
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Sandy Adams
    Aaron Tomsho
     as well 
    .
    .
    .
     class of 
    1
    9
    9
    1
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Stacy Flynn-Totero
    And this is exactly why you were my favorite principal ❤️
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Amanda Lombardo
    Thank you for remembering those that are gone. You were a great principal! SHS 2005
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Sarah Glasgow
    Wow 😔. I know several on this list, and a few I didn’t know about. So sad. As a teacher myself now, I’ve already had several that have passed away. It’s nice that you’re remembering them and have kept in touch with so many others.
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Kitty Hall Hodinka
    Matt Lopicalo (sp) from class of 2000 or 2001. SHS
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Edited
  • Robert Francis
    I have had run through this list in my own mind probably a dozen times and I always come to the same conclusion...what can I (people my age) do? I would love to get into the fight but I cant figure out where I can be effective.
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      Me neither. I started keeping this list when so many people starting dying in large numbers. It helped me face the magnitude of the problem.
      1
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
    • Sean Kyle
      It's prescription drugs and suicide as the two biggest causes for the deaths at SHS 
      That's the two biggest areas we need to address
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 3y
  • Stacy Lynn
    Bridget
    , that list is too long and very sad. I remember having a hard time in high school and you pulling me into your office and treating me like a real person. Thank you for that. Thank you so so much. You always saw the best in us and made us b… 
    See More
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Jessica Heath
    I didn't know about some of these. So sad to see so many young folks gone.
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Tina Popko Carpinello
    You're a beautiful soul, 
    Bridget E Kelly
    . ❤️
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • John McLaughlin
    Such a sad litany,Bridget! "Touch a Name on the Wall..." Sadness all around.
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Edited
  • Erin Kelly Thompson
    Mike Petrellis - 2003
    Brian Fleagle 2003
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Joanne DeLuca Transue
    My heart just broke reading all the names and remembering my classmates on the list
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Carol Fox
    I'm touched that you have kept track of these students. I know too many of them! Very sad!
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Jennifer Hayes
    And this is why you were and still are so loved. Thank you for always caring. Thank you for remembering.
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Suzanne Adams
    Aaron Tomsho
    ...Class of 1991. Just another name to add to your list!
    4
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 3y
    View 1 more reply
  • Tammy Hay
    Patrick Grady. Class of 1991
    7
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • MonaLisa Agathangelou
    Sarah Bullock and Michael Meyer have also passed from class of 1995. So sad to see so many names that are familiar to me ❤ Thank You for the remembrance
    1
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      do you have a yearbook picture of mike. I had at least two Mike Myers in my career.
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
  • Dave Moore
    Some of these names I know, but didn't even know had passed 😕So much tragedy in our communities these days.
    Thank you for being such an excellent leader for all of us
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Debra Ward Metz
    In my son's tremulous senior year, you helped us with compassion as if he was your only student.. Thank you so much for being a bright light in this all too often dark world. You are very loved and respected by this mom.. ❤ May God bless you in everyt… 
    See More
    4
    • Love
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Melissa Shanley Yetter
    ❤️ I know tooo many of these kids. ESP my Sarah Wolf❤️❤️❤️
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Betsy Scholz Paugh
    Overwhelmed reading this list and don’t know what so say. Just thanks, for loving without measure or judgement.
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Rachel Burke
    Today is Bobby Clements birthday which is always a reminder for me ... we need change
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      every time I pass Nifty Fifty, I think of him.
      1
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
  • Melanie Damon
    I wept reading this as I was waiting for my train. Its unreal the amount of loss we have experienced as such young ages.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Adrianna Gerard Cabrey
    Familiar with some of these names. Shocked to see some that I wasn’t aware who passed!
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Anne Obi
    No words... beautiful for remembering, thank u, rip to all (💔 shs c/o 2007)
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Erica Torregrossa
    May they all RIP. Thank you for being such a caring and compassionate person.
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
  • Cheri Monaghan West
    Bridget Galligan. Can't remember what class she was in. 
    Jim Galligan
    ?
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    • Lisa Ann
      Erin Galligan.....
      1
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
  • Cheri Monaghan West
    Shari Wilson class of 99 or 2000
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 3y
    View 1 more reply
  • Sharon Scerbo
    This list, and your attention to it unconditionally, reminds me what a great principal you were at Stroudsburg where your presence seemed to be everywhere! You wore your passion for youth on your sleeve and continue to serve us all by your acknowledgem… 
    See More
    10
    • Love
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • Joanne DeLuca Transue
    Joel Anderson and Matt Halcomb 1990
    1
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 2y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      if you have your yearbook handy, would you send me a photo of them.
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
  • Boon Doc
    I pretty much left Stroudsburg in my rearview mirror after graduation and didn’t make any effort to stay in touch with anyone until recently. That said…some of names on this list surprise me. As a paramedic I deal with death more often than most…still…it gives one pause to read this list with only the memory of the fallen as teenagers with brimming with potential and their whole lives laid before them.
    I don’t have a great many positive memories of my school life in Stroudsburg…but you were always one of my fondest. You never ceased trying to understand us and, when necessary, reach out to those you knew were foundering. Being an educator wasn’t a job for you…it was a calling…and it showed. The list itself is somewhat shocking…though the fact that you kept it is not.
    You had a lasting impact on me as a young man and I have always been grateful for your being such a lasting and positive influence. Though you might have forgotten, one of the last times I saw you was following a school board meeting towards the end of my senior year where you met my mother. You knew far more about me than I had previously realized and it only reinforced my belief…that you really did try to know each and every one of us…as impossible a task as it might have been. 
    Thank you for everything Dr. Kelly…I know I’m not the only one that feels this way…doesn’t make it any less important for you to hear it.
    14
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      Thank you John and I do remember this conversation. We walked out of the board meeting together and stopped to chat right outside the cafeteria.
      2
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
  • Linda Marshall
    Great accolades to a great person.
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • Gloria Handling
    I filled up with tears as I read this list of names. Wonderful young people gone too soon. Thank you Bridget for loving all all of these students without one ounce of prejudice or judgement. They loved and respected you back. May they all rest in peace… 
    See More
    4
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • Jennifer Furey
    Thank you for being such a caring person. I always highly respected you and the way you cared for us at your school. You touched a lot of students at Stroudsburg High School.
    5
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
    • Janet Van Horn
      This isn’t exactly the post I should make this comment here but I’m gonna go ahead and say it. Reading these heartwarming comments about Dr. Kelly are 100% accurate. We were very blessed to have such a wonderful Principle who genuinely cared for us students. Having one child who just graduated at Stroudsburg this past June and my second being a Junior still, they certainly do NOT have that, in fact they have the opposite and it truly makes me sad. Dr. 
      Bridget E Kelly
       you truly were an amazing, compassionate Principle and I know many of us can’t thank you enough! Thank you for never forgetting those we lost!
      2
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 2y
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 1y
  • Sara Pierce
    Wow. You just put it all in one place. You are an amazingly empathetic and caring woman. I am lucky to have had you care for me in two difficult years of high school. Thank you for being a person I strive to be, and keeping those we care so deeply abou…
    See More
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • Janelle French
    ❤ Jeremy Steen ❤ Thank you for remembering.
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • MonaLisa Agathangelou
    As I know many of these people you mentioned, I am saddened they are no longer with us but I also appreciate that you have taken the time to keep a close eye on us through the years. As a great leader you have exceeded the expectations as our high scho… 
    See More
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 2y
  • Carol B. Hall
    You are an amazing person and have been an example in caring for your students and staff. I am proud to know you. Your contact with former students is a credit to you as well as to them. Thank you for the example you have set for education professionals.
    3
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 1y
  • Jen Haley
    So heartbreaking to read so many familiar names. Many whose smiling faces popped into my head as I read through this list. Mrs. Kelly, you are a real hero, to hold so many of your students for so long. I remember you fondly from my time at SHS. I believe was also lost Mike Schecter class of 1992. Too many of my friends on that list 😢
    4
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 1y
  • Robert Hunt
    Missing Mike Transue, class of 1989, ma'am. May he rest in peace.👼
    1
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 1y
    • Bridget E Kelly
      You’ve lost a lot of classmates.
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 1y
    • Robert Hunt
      Bridget E Kelly
       yes ma'am, I have. Its hard to believe that so many are gone. Its nice to see someone keeping up with their memories. You're 1 in a million, ma'am!
      • Like
      • Reply
      • 1y
  • Robert Hunt
    And I stand corrected: Mike Transue is on that list.
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 1y
  • Joanne DeLuca Transue
    Herb Strunk class of 90
    2
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 1y
    View 1 more reply
  • Mike Lemon
    Thanks, Bridget, for this beautiful, if sad, reminder. Too many on that list. Kat and I were talking about Bob Gordon just last night. We need to remember and maybe cry sometimes.
    1
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 1y
  • Joanne DeLuca Transue
    Sorry to share that Stroudsburg Has lost another Classmate remember all his photo taking and Nice guy! Rest In Peace Dan Heimbach
    1
    • Sad
    • Reply
    • 1y
  • Kitty Hall Hodinka
    Bobby Supper class of 2005- Springfield
    • Like
    • Reply
    • 1y
on

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)