This past weekend marked two months since Hills Senior Brooke Dryerman and her parents, Michele and David, tragically died in a car accident on Saturday, Sept. 14. Friends, family, and our community mourned their loss and continue to remember them as we reflect on their lives. 

She was a giver. As co-president of Camp Raspberry, Engagement Vice President of the Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley (TEPV) Youth Group, and active member of Unified Gym, she valued people and showed everyone kindness.

She aspired to become a teacher through the Teacher Cadet Program. Specifically, she wanted to use her experience in Unified Gym to pursue special needs education.

To honor and commemorate the memory of Brooke and her impact on each of us, many students and staff sent in photos and stories of Brooke. Through the memories we have and will continue to share, it is apparent that Brooke’s spirit and soul inspire us all. 

People have loved her, cried for her, prayed for her, and have honored her in any way they can. Most, importantly, people have taken action in tribute. Her and her parents’ Funeral service took place on Sept. 17 and the Jewish tradition of Shiva occurred shortly afterward. 

Hills students organized a movement to paint rocks and place them in Brooke’s parking spot, number 26, to show their love. Remarkably, it did not stop at rocks, with people placing flowers, candles, letters, stuffed animals, and more in her spot. It is abundantly clear that Brooke will never be forgotten by the small acts that her friends do every day for her, like adding to her spot or protecting it during rain or storm. Lastly, among other deeds, people have performed many acts of kindness, just as Brooke did every day.