The article on the kid who died at my school...
Sucks. His girlfriend was a really good friend of mine. I can't believe I was just talking with him yesterday before he left school. Our school is such a tight knit group; everyone knows everyone, we only have 400 people in the entire upper school. What really sucks is that he wasn't drinking or anything like that, he just got hit, wasn't doing anything wrong.
In case the article doesn't work:
Germantown Academy junior Cole Ballay of Furlong, PA died tragically this Tuesday in a two-vehicle accident on Sheaff Lane near the school’s Fort Washington campus.
Cole, who came to GA in the ninth grade, was described by faculty as an incredibly hard working and conscientious student. He contributed to the school in many ways, most distinctly though as a standout student-athlete. “He was very sweet, and very family oriented,” remarked his House Head AliceMary Honeycutt, who observed that Cole loved GA because it was a place where he could make full use of his talents.
Ballay’s gifts were most spectacularly evident on the soccer field, as the junior midfielder was being courted by Division I schools. He played varsity for the Patriots since his freshman year, captained the team as a junior and was voted captain again at season’s end. Ballay was also voted second-team All-InterAc following the 2007 season.
“He was a genuine and authentic young man,” said Germantown Academy boys' soccer coach Patrick David. “Cole was very passionate about everything he did. He played with a lot of pride and purpose … a tough, tough kid. Cole Ballay was the kind of a player you want on your team.”
The school's counseling department will be available to students throughout the week as needed to deal with this tragic loss to the entire community. More information will be shared when it becomes available