Elementary School Remembers Boy Who Lost Brave Fight With Cancer
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - He passed away just over a month ago, but a very brave Hampton Township boy is living on through memories and stories.
On Thursday, 8–year-old Connor Michalek was remembered at Wyland Elementary School.
There was a tearful and emotional moment of silence, followed by a giant hug for a brave little boy.
"Well, we went around the tree and we gave him a hug and we always remember him," first grader Griff Jarrell said.
"I really want to look at it as a celebration of Connor's life and it was important to me to have all of the children be a part of the celebration," Wyland Elementary Principal Dr. Roberta Good said.
Connor was a first grader when he lost his five-year battle with brain and spine cancer on April 25.
His classmates and teachers planted a tree next to the playground as a way to always remember the young student and friend taken far too soon.
"It makes me feel sad, but I'm still happy because I know he's in a good place now," first grader Olivia Angelo said.
Connor went through treatment after treatment and never complained. He always looked forward to the positive parts of his day.
Connor's father, who took part in the ceremony, said school was one of those positives. It was a place that took his mind off of his illness.
"Connor really loved coming here, no matter how he felt during all of his treatments and everything that was going on. He would have chemo and in the same day, come back to school," Steve Michalek said.
It's been a devastating year for Connor's family, friends and school community.
However, they are taking it one day at a time and remembering the good.
"Connor was a very amazing boy, witty, I dare say heroic. He had a lot of courage, he was a fighter," Steve said.
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