News Release

May 6, 2008

For more information:

Kathy Hanlon, Silver Firs Elementary, 425-385-6500

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049

Silver Firs Elementary remembers Codey Porter, May 6, 2:30 — 3:30 p.m.

When Silver Firs fifth-grader Codey Porter died in a tragic accident, his friends and adults who knew him were stunned and

saddened. The happy, smiling bright boy touched all who met him, and many of those are gathering in the school courtyard on

May 6 to remember him.

Kathy Hanlon was Codey's teacher this year. Working with Codey's family and school staff she has planned a ceremony

involving written memories of Codey, music Codey wrote, a tree, a plaque, Codey's family and his friends.

Many of Codey's friends got to know him when he moved here in first grade, but some in the group went to the new Forest

View Elementary school when it opened last fall. Hanlon has extended the ceremony invitation to those long-time classmates.

Silver Firs'music teacher Mr. Minchew will incorporate music Codey wrote into a rendition of Ode to Joy. Fifth grade students

and staff who have written memories of Codey will be able to share those with the group in the courtyard if they wish. They will

be invited to hang them on the new tree planted in the courtyard, said Hanlon. We will all feel Codey's presence as we

remember him; his classroom desk will be outside in the courtyard as part of the commemoration.

The simple beauty of the plan belies the psychological soundness of the afternoon activity which allows children and adults to

share and show their feelings about a boy they knew and lost. Some of these children have never experienced a person in

their family or group of friends dying, notes Hanlon. For others, Codey's death brings memories of an earlier loss. The May 6

ceremony is a time to remember, to share, and to go on with the process of healing.

everett

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5/14/2009