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A Report on dreadful events in a west salem student's life
A Report on dreadful events in a west salem student's life
By Lillie Olson
By Lillie Olson
Article Trigger Warning: This article addresses a topic that involves death and real-world recent events. Please read with caution and stop at any time necessary.
It is with great sorrow that I bring this article to you readers. Heart-wrenchingly, a student, much like many at GPHS, recently passed away. As they were a band member, many GPHS band students and possibly all students in surrounding band programs feel as though one of our own has left, even though we were not part of the same specific band. I bring you this report because every soul deserves to be known and acknowledged.
How the situation came to attention
How the situation came to attention
In GPHS band class, director Lewis Norfleet reported the depressing news that a flute player from West Salem High School had gone missing. The news had started to spread around quickly. The affected student's name was legally Zackary Brenneman, but they had been reported by fellow students to have asked to be referred to as Serena. Though I did not know this student, I trust the student reports on this individual's preferred pronouns (they, them, she, her) according to Statesman Journal article Bright Light, more than I do the adults (simply because I understand how sometimes parents are hard to accept or allow or even be in the know of these things) and therefore will be using such to refer to them. Being in the school band, naturally, they were playing pep rally toons for a football game they had going on at their school-- much like we do. Serena was seen there at the game but never ended up coming back home afterward.
Photo Credit:.StatesmanJournal
Based on the Statesman Journal article "Missing Salem Teen", the police report states that Brenneman was last seen around Sep. 16 at 9 pm. It was not until 1 PM the next day (Saturday) that their body was found. Reports of a body in the Willamette River came into the police station and it was later discovered that it was in fact the body of the 16-year-old victim; the cause of death was drowning. In the time between disappearance and being found, family members had blown social media up with information that was shared thousands of times and over 600 missing posters were distributed (StatesManJournal).
A stance on the handlings of the case
A stance on the handlings of the case
The articles circulating the internet regarding this case have an underlying accusatory tone toward Serena’s involvement in the LGBTQIA+ community and rumors that she had mental struggles that were not specifically named. The fact that the media and community surrounding her is trying to blame her death on mental illness and being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is offensive. I beg of you all not to make any assumptions about Brenneman until there are more facts. They deserve that.
How we are trying to remember and support
How we are trying to remember and support
In regards to Brenneman, the GPHS band respected them at our competition at PCI on the weekend of Oct.1. There were green ribbons pinned to our jackets over our hearts to show our respects and deep sadness regarding the tragedy. The West Salem band, who is in deep mourning right now, ended up pulling out of the event--understandably.
Photo Credit: StatesmanJournal
I hope you are all safe and making smart decisions right now. Keep in mind: unexpected events happen. Check in on your peers and mates. Remember to always watch your surroundings and be aware of any possible dangers.
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