Benches Honor 4 Members of Westfield High School Community

A crowd gathered at Westfield High School Sunday afternoon to honor and remember four members of the community who lost their lives far too soon. Barbara Philpot, Mark Hollaway, and Anthony Grasso will all live on at Westfield High School through memories, stories, and now three new benches.

Cindy Gallagher led the ceremonies in front of the high school's entrance. Students, friends, and family were all encouraged to share their memories of these four fantastic individuals. 

The ceremony first honored Anthony Grasso. Mr. Grasso was a biology teacher at the high school who inspired not just his students, but his fellow teachers, staff, and anyone else who may have had the chance just to speak a few words to him. He was a very devoted teacher, as well as a husband and father of four. Being a biology teacher was not his only profession, he was also an SAT tutor, gave saxophone and clarinet lessons, was a driving instructor, and hockey coach. He will be remembered as an extremely caring teacher whose impact can still easily be felt throughout the school.

Next, the crowd remembered Barbara Philpot. Mrs. Philpot was culinary and independent living teacher at the high school. She came to the Westfield School District in 1983, where she first started teaching at Roosevelt before moving to the High School. Michael Rosin, Class of 2010, shared a few words about Mrs. Philpot. He referred to Mrs. Philpot as the "mother of the student body" and reminded everyone how she remained positive and thankful no matter what she was facing in  her life. She will be remembered throughout the high school as a very entertaining and enthusiastic woman who always faced her problems with a smile.

The ceremony then took time to remember two much younger members of the Westfield Community, whose time there was much too short. Allison Harth was a member of the Class of 2013. She was a member of the National Honor Society, played rugby and volleyball, and had extreme compassion for animals. Liz Griesmer read a short poem about Allison, reminding everyone that she wouldn't have even harmed a single cicada this summer. Ed Carolyn and Matt Case also shared their memories with Allie and her love for horror movies. Allie was a special young soul at Westfield High School and brightened many other people's lives everyday.

Mark Hollaway was also a Westfield High School student who lost his life much too soon. Mark was a member of the Class of 2016 and left a very big mark on the high school in a short period of time. He loved basketball and always seemed to be able to put a smile on everyone around him. His friend, Mark Nelson, shared his memories of Mark and told the crowd how truly great a friend Mark really was. Mark was an extraordinary person who was able to touch many hearts in so little time.

The Westfield High School Community hopes that these benches symbolize the beautiful memories of those who are associated with them. They will honor these four great individuals for many years to come and will ensure no one forgets just how special these four individuals were and the impact they had on the community. For anyone who wishes to visit these benches, Allison and Mark's bench is located by the Westfield High School Auditorium. Mr. Grasso and Mrs. Philpot's benches are located by the entrance to the Westfield High School Gymnasium.