Today we were invited to Zach's first boarding school, Wediko, in New Hampshire, to talk about Zach and to unveil their memorial for him.
Before the ceremony started, while most of the students who knew him were no longer there, we caught up with staff and teachers who remembered him fondly. We heard countless stories of Zach's bright spirit, his smile and his ability to engage almost anyone in one of his loves - which are mostly cars, video games, youtube and fishing.
It was wonderful to really think about how much he grew and developed during those 3 years, how special the team and that place is.
His principal, and now our friend, Toby Iselin recalled that Zach developed the confidence to serve on student council and aggressively advocate for a significant change in school in policy. If you knew Zach you know he was relentless in pushing for what he felt was right and just. In this instance, it was to ensure the school would serve chocolate milk. He didn't get his initial proposal of chocolate milk at every meal and snack, but they did implement an on going chocolate milk policy.
We gave our talk about Zach's nine rules and were so thrilled with how engaged and receptive the group of about 75-100 was in remembering, learning about and from Zach.
After that, we headed over to an area next to some of the administrative buildings. It contained a new garden, a dogwood tree in the center, an engraved bench off the the side and a Be Like Zach plaque with his rules emblazoned on the front. (Zach would have loved that it was dogwood!)
Jenn and I both let the tears flow as this is just so perfect. Zach's favorite school nurse, and now our friend, Brenda Silvano, shared the importance of those rules and the entire and what it means for everyone.
I hope what I'm going to add here is ok…Brenda was fighting her own personal battle against cancer while Zach was, and she showed up consistently with well wishes, and support for us all. She is cancer free right now, and is simply one of the strongest and amazing humans that Jenn and I know.
We are so grateful for Toby, Brenda and everyone at Wediko for honoring Zach in this way. We are so proud of the mark he left on so many, and that his story and rules will help others face the future with new urgency, strength and resolve.
Be Like Zach. Keep Moving Forward.
Love this so so much!!! Zach inspires me every day.
A great memorial and tribute to Zack. Thx for sharing