EDDIE ONTIVEROS

Eddie Ontiveros, what a lyrical name,
For a young man who was always game,
To take on the world with adventuresome ease,
But never too proud to be helpful or to please.

I cherish and remember each moment we spent,
Knowing and sensing he was heaven sent,
Rest in peace, dear child, forever more,
We'll meet again, of that I'm sure.

Copyright ©2005 Claudia Colvin

NOEL (MATT) MARQUEZ

Matt Marquez, what a skate-boarder you were,
You jumped and twirled and skated some more.
You threw your arms around me and said I would be proud,
You’d brought your grades up and wanted to shout it out loud.
I was always proud of you Matt; you were one of my boys,
I never gave up on you, and you brought me all kinds of joys.
Your smiles, your hugs; they meant the world to me,
I wanted the best for you and was glad to see,
Your diligence was working and I hoped to hear,
You succeeded in all your efforts without any fear.
That day I heard… you’d expired in a crash,
I screamed, “No, it can’t be true; someone’s talking trash.”
Missed, of course you are, Matt, my dear.
Forgotten, no way, you’ll always be near.

Copyright ©2005 Claudia Colvin

DANIEL MALDONADO

Daniel was a former student who dreamed of being in the Army. His dream was fulfilled and he became an Army paratrooper.

Daniel was home on leave from Iraq, attended a party, and was shot down in his own driveway.

For details, consult the Daily Press, June 29, 2004 or the JackRabbit Journal, May 20, 2005.

Picture courtesy of the Daily Press, June 29, 2004.