Missing You

Written by Allegra Powell

With a whole month passed since the death of Leonard Hunter, we Quakers should take the time to reflect on his life as well as our own. He touched all of us in one way or another, whether it was big or small. He was a talented athlete and even an aspiring journalist for the newspaper. No matter what Leonard did, it was always memorable.           

Since March 27, 2007 Franklin has obviously changed. Not having that chubby, loud kid roaming the halls and innocently disrupting classes has impacted an abundance of Quakers.           

“School has just been dead,” said Chundranae McGary. “We lost the life of the party. It’s just hard not seeing him everyday.”           

For many students, the shock of not having their friend by their side is sill present. It hasn’t sunk in for a lot of them and not being able to accept his absence has an impact on all those that loved him. And many students are changing the directions of their lives because of the loss.           

“It just doesn’t feel the same,” said Alisha Keller. “School is boring now…and more people are showing their real colors.”
The portrayal of Leonard in the media following his death did not do him any justice. For the one mistake he made, he did ten more things that were great. He should not be remembered as a bad guy, but for what he really was.           

“They [the media] took the good things we said and turned it around and put in bad things as well,” said McGary. “It was like they were trying to make those who didn’t know him say [his death] was going to happen eventually.”
It’s our job as Quakers to show everyone just how wonderful Leonard really was.     

“I think he should be remembered by all the good things he has done,” said Keller. “People should talk about how he made them laugh or the quotes he would say. He was a great person in every way…and I still miss him to this day.”
To try to cope with the tragic loss, Quakers have turned to the closest thing they have to him, his mother, more commonly known as “Mama Dionne.” Not only did she attend all of the football games and support them through even their toughest times, but she has become a part of the Quaker family. Mama Dionne appreciates all of the love and support given to her. The adoration that we have for Leonard does not go unnoticed.

If you walk through any one of the halls at Franklin, you will see countless “RIP Leonard” on the walls and on posters. Many students even have their own customized shirt with Leonard’s picture on it. It’s evident that Leonard Spencer Hunter created a bond with many students and teacher with his presence and in his absence.
Leonard was wise beyond his years and hopefully passed that on to his friends and peers. If his death didn’t create a change, then it was pointless. Mama Dionne said that she wanted him to touch one heart, change just one life. It is our job as Quakers to form a positive change in our lives for Leonard.

For most, the mourning period is over and the time has come for us to honor him and celebrate his life. Although he is gone, he is not forgotten. As Leonard would say, “It’s real out here.” So take this time to reflect on your life. Whatever you refer to him as, Leonard, Len, Skinny Len, Best Friend, Fat Boy or Bookie; don’t remember him for what he did, but who he was. “It’s real maja!”

[ Back ]