Mondays are hard for weekends are past
Doesn’t mean one would think it were their last
People got up in the early morning
Some went off without, others got warning
The hours that were to come
Were to cause a University to go numb
What were they to do, what were they to say
On this unthinkable tragic day
32 originals whose lives were full
Fell to the ground because of a broken rule
Surrounded by love created by their school
Taken away from them because of a single minded fool
The news cast the event in the blackest of light
The students tried to fight this with all their might
Soon the news was bored of the victim’s tellings
They wanted something…something more worth selling
Then the killer’s videos were received and shown
Over and over and over and over until there’s a united moan
The 32 originals deserve to be remembered more than his weird perspective
They deserve to be remembered individually and as a collective
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
32 Originals
Ross A. Alameddine
Ross Alameddine smiles, brightening his face
He pulls you aside with jerking haste
Laughs at your shock that melts into good cheer
He just wants to reverse that test taking fear
He guides your sight to see a new screen
Something he built – his smile beams
Within those few moments this brainy dude
Put you in a much better mood
As a son and friend all were proud
When Ross was around there was not a single gray cloud
He brought moments of peace
With his quick sense of humor it was a laughing feast
Remember the smile remember the joy
Then you’ll remember Ross the charismatic boy
Christopher James Bishop
Before your very eyes Sci-Fi is born
An entire reality created through his passionate imagination
Sci-Fi worlds nation after nation
He’ll take you through hiker mountains stupendous
Villains breathing fire dripping blood how horrendous He’ll grip you with words so grand
Leading you through the Sci-Fi promise land
With a stroke of a brush there and there
Paintings are formed that get you to stare
This professor with Fullbright Scholar, good sense of humor and long hair
Had a wealth of talent and a wealth of care
Jamie’s talent the world will see
And what he stated will come to be
A loving husband, son and friend who housed a big heart
Will defiantly change the world with his powerful art
Brian Bluhm
Brian Bluhm sits with excitement building inside
Wanting the end to justifies the energetic ride
His face lights up seeing a friend over there
A smile warms his demeanor with smooth care
His genuine nature gives others love to share
Peaceful and warm a combination so rare
He’s unique as one can be keeping it real
Comfort people have around him is a wow feel
The end of the game comes with a bang
For the Tigers won joy through Brian’s voice rang
Brian’s a Christian, a son, a friend who cannot be replaced
Just remember how you light up when you saw his joyful face.
Ryan Christopher Clark
Ryan Christopher Clark’s cell rings a familiar tone
He picks it up without a groan
He speaks with sincerity of heart
His honesty and caring playing their part
He closes his cell smiles not revealing what transpired
He doesn’t indulge others in someone else’s murky mire
He gave a smile and a laugh just as he should
Ryan with the Marching Virginians Stood
The Spirit of Tech, That I may serve
No one ever got on his last nerve
His nickname was stack
A sense of humor he didn’t lack
A son, a friend and an awesome twin to
The thoughtful, loving, Virginia Tech Resident Advisor Ryan
Austin Cloyd
She’s a little housing nanny
Her kindness reaches out to lift the spirit of those who’ve lost
Something priceless, something great, something of cost
Their house, their home, their place to live
Her warm friendly persona allows her to give
She’s delightful with a smile that up builds the broken hearted
Outgoing without slowing her empathy uncharted
Volleyball and basketball kept her active with glee
A Christian whose thoughts were for all without a constant me
Austin a daughter, a friend, a rebuilder of hope
Remember how she healed other’s loss knowing she was a human Angel will soothingly cope
Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
One hand over the other she goes faster than slow
Her legs help row her to win
A medal because she knows how to swim
She kneels next to her husband in the dirt
Enjoying their time together with her garden flirt
They’d plant and plow then it’s time to look around
To explore every spot, every place, every bit of ground
They have bond so amazing it’s something to envy
Her being wonderful is the essential key
A mother, a wife, a professor of French
Jocelyne was someone that made liking her a synch
Daniel Alejandro Perez Cueva
He’s a hard worker a special person he knew what he had to do
As he crosses first in a cross-country race
Dive in, flips kicking as he glides on his back
Swinging a racket with all his accuracy nothing in lack
A role model he stands to be
Daniel pets
Again he grins as big as his mouth will extend
A great son to be proud of and an unforgettable best friend
With a likeness of a brother such as Daniel who would not be a fan
For he’s an honorable best man
Kevin Granata
Kevin Granata calls the kids in
Including his son and some of their friends
He pats them on the back and tells them the plan
Then out to the field they take their positions, they stand
They are ready to play for fun and to win
Through good sportsmanship, no rules they’ll bend
Kevin cheers them on with love and respect
He goes over the list making sure it’s all correct
The research is important can’t make a mistake
He would not spend too many late nights with his family at stake
Do it right for the progress of knowledge, truth and humanity
He conversates on many things for he has lots to say
A loving father, a caring husband and a professor who gave all he could give
Kevin’s life is a life that he as a good man did live.
Matthew G. Gwaltney
Matthew Gwaltney looks up toward the sun
The ball is falling his eyes lock he’s on the run
He squints to make sure to get a good look
The ball falls down into the glove he turns around and makes a hook
It hits the backboard swirls the rim
Breaths are held eyes swell as it falls in
His simmering summers full of basketball and softball
Even though his talent was boyishly very raw
Matthew gave everything his all
Rivers move flow to the sea
He looked at them and felt free
He’s a son and a friend that one will forever know
Remember Matthew and his radiant glow
Caitlin Millar Hammaren
Caitlin Millar Hammaren let her voice raise high
Her powerful lungs made her sound like a charming bird from the sky
Each word she sent was wrapped in love
She’s peaceful with purity resemblance of a dove
Friends she had for she was best friends towards everyone
She trotted on horses in the midday sun
She rode them because she loved them it was something she enjoyed
Being nice was natural which made mean easy to avoid
She stood up with a powerful stance
Being a leader she helped others to advance
Caitlin was a daughter and a friend who was strong and tender
Keep in mind the things she loved and her always remember
Jeremy Herbstritt
Jeremy Herbstritt’s feet push him forward with a runner’s stride
With his family by his running side
It was their thing, their moment, their family gold to keep
Outgoing and friendly goodness he reaped
He was accomplishing goals he had set to achieve
Knowing he could do them in himself he believed
Romance bloomed for him quicker than flowers in spring
He was not into pointless heartless flings
He texted words of good night to his VT turkey
From him the Nittany Lion – He was odd and quirky
Jeremy as a son, a brother and a friend made life a great joy
Remember the romantic runner, the outgoing friendly, lovable boy
Rachel Elizabeth Hill
Who is coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?
It is she, Rachel, brining peace like a dove
She held on to her faith with a tight grip
She would not be the one to allow imperfection to cause slip
The thing that rivaled her Lord in her love
Were shoes oh those beautiful shoes that fit like a glove
There was a collection she kept with detailed care
She even noticed others footwear
Volleyball held her attention for a span
She was not only a player but a fan
Her relationships she worked to maintain
More through tribulation “Not without pain, but without stain”
She loved her parents with her rich heart
Rachel’s reality and intelligence of this Earth will always be a part
Emily Jane Hilscher
Emily Jane Hilscher gracefully guides her horse over a jump
They look as if they are gliding, they land without a bump
The fox swings a hard right trying to avoid
She calmly pulls the reigns to follow, the fox is annoyed
Her reality was not hard to see even as she is in a chase
Even her love of animals could be seen in her face
Her outgoing nature is of focus as her smile makes an appearance
Her maturity is noticeable because of her humble adherence
People enjoy her being around, her vibrant color a reason why
Ask for her help and she’d be friendly without a ton weighing sigh
Emily a daughter, a friend, a person who cared
Remember often, remember her always and about her share
Matthew La Porte
Matthew La Porte was trouble at the start
Then ROTC he became a part
He gained many friends and just as man brothers
Airforce Special Operations Prep Team gave him a try
He did it all and finished on a list high
His toughness was physical and even mental
He was a leader with hint of gentle
Never complained about what had to be done
He had a sense of humor he was no stiff—he was fun
He played tricks with his mischievous spirit
He turned out better he had merit
Matthew the son, the friend, the leader who was good at what he did
For he’ll be remembered for his heart being in the right place—for being a good kid
Jarrett Lee Lane
He caused several people to laugh at his office fun
His grin just grew as the person took a drink
They quickly spit out the coffee in the sink
Salt is not sugar that’s a shame
Everyone in his hometown knew his name
Knew when there’s a job that needs to be done he does it right
Jarrett was Narrows Valedictorian, he was bright
He took deep breaths and blew through brass
He would be there on Sunday’s Mass
He caught footballs, shot baskets and ran track
Being humble and down to earth was his knack
He’s a grand son with close friends—who stood out as unique
Jarrett will inherit the Earth for he was definition of meek
Henry Lee/Henh Ly
The serious student who had funky moods
The clown who made others laugh with fun
10 children he was the 9th—a son
He gave an unforgettable night at a dance
He said that if he could do it anyone had a chance
For he tried to do right by the things he did
He had the wit—he love to kid
He was energetic mixed with smarts
He was unique and technically off the charts
Henh the son Henry the friend
Him the world will miss for the things he could give
Liviu Librescu
Not giving into weakness with a squirm
He held his position not giving in
Protecting students like they were kin
Liviu Librescu often smiled and gave greeting
His life held every ounce of meaning
He was a husband and father
With two sons and not one daughter
He was well respected for being him
He was a fine beautiful rare gem
He had lived through one horrible ordeal
He was genuine to the core he was real
He’s a hero to one—hero to all
This professor who heeded hero’s call
G.V. Logavnathan
The Night darkness turns to a yawn
G.V. Logavnathan is still there as the light peeks dawn
He’s explained it over and over again until it’s got
He gave his students more than enough—he gave a lot
The natural that guided them to knowing
The driving force that kept their knowledge flowing
His name’s pronunciation was like hell
So with his kind heart he allowed them to call him Dr. L
Humble, devoted and approachable his reputation gifted
Dr. L smiled as he spoke those that saw were lifted
He was a husband, a father and a son loved for being himself
Those that knew Dr. L treasure it as priceless worth
Partiahi Lumbantoruan
Partiahi Lumbantoruan wanted to stand in front of a class to teach
To see the eager faces his words would reach
Rising their hands to answer what’s asked
In their wanting to learn he would bask
The love of his family got him this far
They sold properties and several cars
He was their son, brother and friend
He smiled and never ever gave in
Partiahi was from
He’d have been a dedicated teacher – one to emulate
Lauren Ashley McCain
Lauren Ashley McCain is a creator of unique
You want cheering up it’s her you’d seek
Her brother is her hero someone she looked up to
She traveled to
Pranks involving underwear up in a tree
She loves living by the sea
Language is an easy task for her to learn
She’s so fast pages she burns
A lover of soccer and spiritual light
For her family she’s a star bright
She’s a music junkie a guitar player
But for country music she’s a hater
Lauren is second out of four children, a daughter, a friend who was neat
Remember to constantly use her words like squeat
Daniel Patrick O’Neil
Daniel Patrick O’Neil knee up strumming softly his guitar
Looks out smiling towards everyone at the bar
He gives a slight wave between strums
Then he sings while some familiarly hum
His smart lyrics fallout in soft tone
Showcasing how much he practice playing to the bone
His hardworking nature wove into works of art
His talent of lyrics and singing notices from the start
His humor snags and gets laughter rolling
You laugh so hard your sides holding
Matthew the resident hippy calls for a foot race
And by the end of the day he says “Thanks for stopping by buttface”
His songs will hug you in your time of need
Remember laughter is how Daniel would lead
Juan Ramon Ortiz
Juan Ramon Ortiz plays the timbal in a band
On the weekends with his father he’d stand
Something he loved, something he wanted to do forever
No matter what it was he had to do his joy would not sever
He played basketball with heart and soul
When he was on the court he knew how to roll
October held a special day
I do was something he did say
She helped him love life more
He had something in store
He is quiet and decided to life
Of course very dedicated to his wife
Juan was a son, a husband and a friend who viewed life as grand
Remember him with each song played by the family band
Minal Hiralal Panchal
Helping children solve the homework capper
She works diligently to help them learn and understand
For she is brilliant and good with a helping hand
From
To be taught things her brain did not know
Polite and kind and gracious of heart
She was hardworking from the very start
Her father designed buildings the skyline adored
She wanted to follow in his footsteps board after board
The love that overflowed from her life
Touched others and calmed their strife
Minal gave what she had—she gave it her all
Her family should be proud that she stood tall
Erin Peterson
Her face dead serious wearing gear and stuff
She’s ready to change ready to tackle
Ready for bodies on walls to spackle
She’s vivacious and enriches people’s lives being their sis’
She passes out pieces of caring bliss
She’s kind in heart and spirit without hiding
Four years on high school paper lots of writing
Talent there and on the court with a ball
Shooting it up between the rim it hopefully falls
Erin the daughter, the friend, the person who reached out
She’s someone that’ll be remembered for so much there’s no doubt
Michael S. Pohle Jr.
Michael S. Pohle Jr. happy to do whatever
Through the power of his endeavor
Lacrosse and football were his sports he did well in
He played hard and his team he’d defend
He smiles because he is upbeat
He walks as if he has balls for feet
He loves life to the fullest extent
He tended bar to pay the rent
He watches crappy horror movies for laughter’s fun
Joking and laughing at them until the credits run
Michael a great kid, son and an awesome friend since 3rd grade
He’s a power house in no one’s memory shall he ever fade
Julie Pryde
Julie Pryde is full of passion and did something about it
She could not on the sidelines just wait and sit
During the summer in a place much hotter
She went to
She wants the campus to have food trash create a compost for environmental care
Because of a research project she decided that would be fair
She is part of a youth organization S.E.E.D.S.
Children hikes, helping clean up rivers and teaching those with hacky sack needs
She helped by giving what she could with all she had
Make her parents proud both mom and dad
Along with her role model Mr. L giving his reassuring smile
She finished co-writing a grant with stream clean up style
Granola bars and organic drinks by the ton
“Julia Food” remember that for she was fun
Mary Karen Read
Made strawberry cake for the birthdays she knew
Put others before herself a Christian quality she shared
A sweet girl who is happy with a heart of care
She played lacrosse with a talent gleam
She loved football Buffalo Bills her sports team
The clarinet pulled wind from her
Beautiful music would harmoniously occur
Oldest of five a sister to many with a smile and a laugh
To her high school band she brought cupcakes on her behalf
She wants to be an elementary school teacher
She so could for she had a lot of admirable features
Mary the daughter, the sister and the buddy
Remember her for being the flip flops wearer no matter if it were cold, wet or muddy
Reema Samaha
Reema Samaha is a dancer with class
Who played Aunt Martha with sass
“Fiddler on the Roof” she won an award
Dance captain in “
The international Festival she choreographed
She had the ability to make others laugh
She was upbeat with energy to spare
She brought her Lebanese heritage to her art with care
There was no dancing without her
She hears music her body starts to stir
Reema a daughter, a sister, an artistic friend with artsy grooves
Remember her spark, her talent, her laughter and her creative moves
Waleed Shaalan
He looks like he needs a bit of rest
He catches sight of you there
Puts on a smile and then shares his warmth and care
He invites you in his work pushed aside
He’s ready to take listen to your problems confide
He loves his wife and son who reside in
He could not go visit them by hoping in a car
He worked under Dr. L with determination
He had dinner with two friends almost every night – a mini vacation
He was involved in the Muslim Student Association
He missed his family and other relations
Waleed a father, husband and friend who was simple and nice
Remember his warm heart that melted the coldest ice
Leslie Geraldine Sherman
Positive oozed out her mouth by the things she chose to say
When she saw those who lips curved frown
She did her best to turn it upside down
She tried to encourage and up build and rocket their spirits high
Running exciting feet with the ground colliding
History books folded, highlighted all in a cascade
Brining back smiles that sometimes fade
History brought her purpose gave her something to strive
She was happy to be here happy to be alive
Leslie the daughter and friend who loved running in fields
Remember her smiles and how they up build
Maxine Shelly Turner
Maxine Shelly Turner after summer had AWESOME
Something fantastic for her was to BLOOSOME
Work at creating Gore-Tex waterproof breathable fabric outerwear
She volunteered for animal care
At the shelter she helped out
Dog breeding was to be one day a hobby route
Something she wanted to learn and enjoy
She liked Shakespeare and his writings so un-coy
Public relations for the Kwon Do Club
Something she liked and somewhat loved
Maxine a daughter, a sister, a friend who gave out emotional highs
Remember all things about her especially the twinkle in her eye
Nicole Regina White
Seeing the kids light up by what she has to say
They enjoy her voice soothing to their ears
Calming them down from hidden fears
She leaves on a horse ready to ride
Showing a different angle, showing a different side
In the barn the horse relaxes and is groomed
Nicole ever cleans out his dirty room
Something that she has to be a part
Like swimming in the water her body encased
Feeling it all around her like a warm embrace
Her family created her for others to lift
Nicole Regina White was a priceless gift