Many local elementary schools students and their families have been anxiously anticipating fifth-grade promotion day, but none may have been as bittersweet as the ceremony at Tamarack Elementary School (TES).
There were 80 fifth-grade students recognized and celebrated Friday morning with “I am” poems, the presentation of diplomas and a slide show of school memories. All the while, a black folding chair sat front and center, draped with a purple T-shirt that had the initials KJS printed in pink, surrounded by tiny pink hearts.
Kalie Jo Stiles was a third-grade student at TES who was born with a heart defect. In March of 2017, Kalie collapsed in her classroom and five staff members worked to revive her by administering CPR and utilizing the AED (automated external defibrillator).
Carrie Munsey said 2017 was her first year as principal and Jessica Morris’ first year as assistant principal.
“It was scary,” Munsey said. “But we were able to use our medical emergency plan.”
While Munsey was thankful for the quick-thinking actions of her staff, the event was also used as a learning experience.
“Now we have two AEDs in our school,” Munsey said, “because the AED was on the other side of the building.”
Munsey said Kalie was life-flighted to Norton Children’s Hospital and lived 56 more days before passing away on May 13, 2017.
“Whenever we had to say goodbye, the hearse came by Tamarack and everyone was holding purple balloons,” Munsey said of that day. “She would be in the 2019 promotion ceremony from Tamarack Elementary and we are honoring her with the empty chair.”
Munsey’s daughter Claudia, who was on the morning news with Kalie, read a letter during the promotion ceremony in Kalie’s honor.
“Kalie Jo Stiles, we miss you, but our minds know you are in a better place where there is no more pain. You are at peace, which we understand, but we wish we could explain it to our heart,” Claudia read. “There is an empty space in each of our hearts that nothing will ever fill.”
Purple balloons were once again displayed, but this time to honor Kalie’s family in the bleachers.
Munsey and Morris, along with a few select students, presented Kalie’s diploma to her family, complete with hugs and long stem red roses.
Following that presentation, the TES Singing Stars choir sang a moving rendition of “Home,” arranged by Janet Day.
After being recognized for their academic achievements, the fifth graders displayed their dance talents in a choreographed performance, with the help of Musick Studios staff.
