 |
|
|
|
|
| 'News of
the Most Distressing Kind'
Two Mason Alumni Killed in Tragic Car Accident By Tammy Ashworth and Sara Kaplow (Oct. 16, 2002) updated October 18, 2002 1:00 pm)
George Mason students and staff were in a state of shock and grief today after learning of the tragic car accident that took the lives of two members of the Class of 2002, Jessica Szymanski and Dana Wood. The girls were returning to Greenville, North Carolina, where they attended East Carolina University, after spending a long weekend visiting friends and family in Falls Church. The accident took place at 8:30 last night. Reports indicate that the accident occurred as a result of attempting to avoid colliding with a deer. After spinning off of a guardrail, the car was hit by a truck. George Mason principal Bob Snee announced the tragic news to the student body at the beginning of school this morning. "We have received news of the most distresssing kind," said Snee. He went on to state, "Word of this tragedy has begun to make its way around our community...We know how deeply it affects many members of our school." Counselors were made available all day to help students cope with their grief and many students took advantage of their services.
Students can share their memories of the girls by signing one of the many student-created banners posted in the main hallway, or by clicking here to read a collection of remembrances written by friends of Dana and Jessica. Students may also submit their own memories to Lasso in person or via e-mail to HooverM@fccps.k12.va.us. At press time, funeral arrangements are not yet known. Please return to Lasso Online for developments in this story. Related Story:
|
Students
especially remember the two girls for their impact on the Mason community.
Jessica (pictured at left) was a member of the varsity basketball team
for four years, and pitched for the softball team in the spring. She also
took an active role in several student organizations, including SADD, Fellowship
of Christian Athletes, the dance team, and cheerleading. Friends described
Jessica by saying "she could illuminate an entire room with her charismatic
personality."
Dana
(pictured at right) was a member of the state champion soccer team and
Key Club. She also had a deep interest in Spanish, which took her to Spain
on an exchange program in the summer of 2001, where she had hoped to return
through a study abroad program at ECU. "Dana was so warm and friendly,"
said former Spanish teacher and teacher advisor Maria Biggers. "She loved
to learn about other cultures."