(Update: See memorial page at: City Academy)
Yesterday our school community was affected by the news that a former student had died of a herion overdose.
John Phillips, a member of the first graduating class of the school where I teach, City Academy, was a kind and gentle human being, always respectful and pleasant, bright and intelligent, and well-liked by everyone in our school community.
John delivered an inspiring and emotional speech at City Academy’s graduation ceremony last spring as a member of our school’s very first graduating class. He spoke of his struggles and how our school community supported him throughout his high school experience. Although he at times felt he would not graduate from high school, he made it with the help from his devoted parents and members of our school community.
John was accepted for admission to the University of Utah and had enrolled and begun classes there.
I didn’t know John as well as others in our school community, having only taught him in one of my classes, but we had a good relationship and I respected and admired him for his respectful and gentle nature.
I will not choose at this time to delve into the problems with our society’s treatment of victims of substance abuse, but it is clear that John is one concrete example of how it isn’t working.
It’s going to be a tough next few days for our school, where most of our students and staff have been affected by this news.
The service to celebrate John’s life will be Saturday, November 5, 4pm, at our school:
City Academy
2416 East 1700 South , Salt Lake City
In lieu of flowers, people are asked to make donations to City Academy via Wells Fargo Bank.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 