Graduation is a time of celebration, yet at West Scranton High School, a somber memorial stands as a poignant reminder of a life that ended too soon. In the school courtyard, a statue now honors Rose Hernandez, a senior who will never wear her cap and gown. Her friends and family gathered to remember her, surrounded by roses and memories.
The ceremony, held on a sunny Wednesday, featured a gathering of Rose’s loved ones who placed roses at the base of a newly unveiled statue. This tribute serves as a lasting memory of Rose and other students who have passed away prematurely.
A Community in Mourning
Rose Hernandez had dreams of traveling and supporting her father’s construction business after graduation. However, those dreams were shattered on December 29, when she was fatally injured in a tragic accident. Her boyfriend, Joseph Garcia, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, with legal proceedings set to continue.
Returning to school after winter break, Rose’s friends struggled with her absence. “I felt just a wave of sadness, anger,” shared her close friend Allison Juarez. The two had met six years ago and formed a bond described as “inseparable.”
Another friend, Janellyn Alonso Perez, who worked with Rose at Marshalls, felt compelled to create a lasting tribute. “I wanted to do something for Rose and her family and her friends to remember her,” Janellyn said.
Building a Legacy
Inspired by their desire to honor Rose, Allison and Janellyn collaborated with art teacher Ryan Hnat to design a memorial. The result is a metal rose sculpture, crafted by welding students from the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County.
“I think it’s super important to have a place to be able to deal with those emotions,” Hnat explained. The sculpture stands as a testament to Rose’s life, with her name inscribed at the base and a dedication to all students of West Scranton High School who left too soon.
A Permanent Reminder
As students gathered in the courtyard, the fountain’s gentle sound accompanied the quiet reflection. Principal Renee Stevens presented Rose’s diploma to her family, a symbolic gesture of the future she never got to experience.
Her father, Irineo Hernandez, emphasized the importance of education to Rose and her siblings. A bilingual speaker, Rose often assisted others with translations, a testament to her helpful nature.
Under the bright sky, friends and family placed roses at the memorial, ensuring that Rose’s memory will live on. “My heart too is gonna be here. It’s going to be here for the rest of my life,” Hernandez expressed, as the statue stands as a symbol of loss and remembrance.
Sarah Hofius Hall
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WVIA News
