Memorial bench honors former D124 student

Southeast School honored one of its former students, Alan Reyes-Landeweer, with a Memorial Bench Dedication this morning.

Alan, who passed away on Feb. 22, 2019, attended both Southeast and Central Middle School. The touching ceremony was meant to both memorialize and celebrate Alan’s life on his birthday.

All Southeast students, staff members, and other District employees and supporters who had the good fortune of knowing Alan gathered dressed in blue, Alan’s favorite color, to share fond memories. The ceremony also included a performance from the Central Middle School seventh-grade band, the same band Alan enjoyed playing alongside.

Following closing remarks by SE Principal Tim Sheldon every Southeast student honored Alan by tossing blue paper airplanes, decorated with messages of kindness, into the air. Students picked up those airplanes on their way back into the school and enjoyed reading the messages written by their classmates.

The new bench is located outside the front entrance of Southeast School and was paid for using generous donations collected by the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce. The slate of concrete it sits atop was donated by the Village of Evergreen Park.

The remaining donations will benefit the District 124 band program. The Reyes-Landeweer family is also holding its own fundraiser in hopes of helping the band replace and repair instruments.

The bench is meant to provide an opportunity for anyone who would like to sit with Alan and honor his enduring memory. Alan was a beautiful son, loyal brother, generous friend, and dedicated student. Hit talent, generosity, and warm-heartedness set him apart from his peers.