Yesterday, we received some incredibly heartbreaking news that one of our former alum, and a recent graduate, Peyton Smith passed away from a courageous battle with cancer. If you knew Peyton, you would know that he was full of strength, kindness, love, passion for sports, our MHS teams, and loved being a part of the MHS community. This is a significant loss for all of us.
As a part of a military family, Peyton moved 8 times and attended seven different schools around the world. MHS was where he received his diploma and began the journey toward college. Sports was certainly a passion of Peyton's. As the manager of the basketball team, Peyton was the number one fan on the bench as the boys' team made it to the state finals last year, and he was always a source of support in his two years here. Peyton's dad, Matt, shared a memory of Peyton's first day at MHS. As an avid baseball player/fan, he walked into the first practice of the season and was greeted with open arms by another recent graduate, Aiden Murphy. The feeling of belonging came quickly for Peyton, and that is the beauty of our school and community. Someone is always ready to welcome us here and help us to feel like this is our school too and where we're supposed to be.
As a part of Peyton's Make-A-Wish, he got to create his own Air Jordan 4 at the Nike Headquarters and had dreams of one day creating his own design for sneakers in the future. He was accepted to University of Oregon, Baylor, St. Michaels, Kent State, Drexel, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. Peyton was filled with dreams and was loved by so many. His bravery was witnessed by all who knew him in his time with us here at MHS. In the toughest of times, he persevered.
A former teacher and coach of Peyton shared this beautiful thought, "My encounters with Peyton will continue to occupy a place in my heart for the rest of my life, and for this his bloom remains eternally attached to mine. My story is not unique; almost everyone Peyton encountered would share a story of how their lives are better as a result of meeting Peyton Smith. I'm just lucky to have gotten to spend 3 years with him" There is nothing further from the truth, and those of us who knew him would all agree.
We had the honor of watching Peyton walk across the stage this past June and to see his family, Matt, Dani, and Keegan all present to enjoy this incredible moment of accomplishment will be what stands out for me. The love that was shown in those few moments was only a glimpse into the love and courage this family has provided each other throughout the years.
His brother, Keegan, is with us at MHS this year, and it'll be important for us to wrap our thoughts and positive energy around him now and when he arrives back to school. If you're not certain how to approach someone who has just suffered a loss, it's important to know that just "reaching out", being present and authentic, and listening can be the best support we can offer sometimes. And most of all, find ways to show love to this family that makes the most sense for you.
Administration, guidance counselors, and our social work is here to support anyone who may need it. 2020 has been full of opportunities to take care of each other, and this is just another example of how we take care of those around us because it's the right thing to do now and always.
Sending all of our MHS community some light today.
Renée DeVore
Principal
