This tragic event shows us the danger and hurtfulness that violence in all its forms brings upon us. We are all reminded in this tragic way of the importance of committing ourselves to non-violence, to the principle that violence is never the answer. Let us also go forward from this day dedicated to taking care of each other, with a heightened awareness of how fragile life is, and how much we need each other.

A student in particular who shared her grief expressed that she will no longer be the one standing around in a circle supporting the fight going on, but rather the one in the middle stopping it. It takes much more strength and courage to commit to non-violence.

There are many ways in which we can make an effort towards non-violence. All it takes is one simple act like holding someone back, or telling them that it's going to be all right, let it go, or even taking their mind off of it by telling a joke. It's these small, simple steps that are able to prevent these acts of violence. You’re able to do something about it.

I could spend my few minutes telling you how smart she was, and believe me, she was very very bright. I could also tell you how motivated she was, never embarrassed, never too cool, to have completed her homework, to know the answers, to participate in class. Perhaps I could focus on her sense of humor, her athleticism, her reliability, or her popularity. But instead, I'd like to focus on what I admired most about Deanna, and that was her compassion. Deanna felt a responsibility to contribute to the happiness of others. She wanted people to feel comfortable and respected.

Deanna even looked out for her teachers. For example, if I was trying out a new lesson, and it just wasn't working, and no one would participate, Deanna would be the first to raise her hand and volunteer, just so I didn't have to feel uncomfortable. If a friend was unnecessarily rude to me in class, Deanna wasn't afraid to call that person on it, and that friend would listen to her, because he knew she was only standing up for what was right.

The question is: what do we do now?

I know that there are people who feel guilty, wondering if they could have done something different to prevent this tragedy. Beware of guilt. Guilt turns into pain, pain turns into hate, and hate turns to violence and self-destruction. No one here is responsible for our loss, and your guilt will only increase the tragedy, because you are precious just as Deanna was precious.

Gradually, you will heal, and Deanna would want you to heal. Deanna was not one to sit and moan, she was one to take action, to solve the problem, to make things better. Take that part of her spirit and use it.

Deanna didn't know what she wanted to do with her future. No doubt it would not have been enough to simply make a profit, she was too dutiful for that. Whatever she would have done, I'm sure that she would have contributed to her society somehow.

Unfortunately, Deanna's opportunity to decide what to do with her life was cut off from her. However, we can give her an occupation. We can give her death meaning by making her a beacon for nonviolence. My guess is that this is what she would want: to help people.

You have been raised in a violent society. But the good news is that society is not stagnant - it is constantly changing. If you really want to honor Deanna ask yourself what you can do to change attitudes towards violence? It's not enough to supply a good example. Silence is compliance. Like Deanna, we need to take responsibility for the well-being of our society. How can you awaken others to the realities of violence? How can you educate those younger than you?

Eventually, everyday life will regain some normalcy. As you move on, will your commitment to nonviolence fade? How can you stay committed next year, the year after that, in college and throughout your career? You are powerful, and can make an enormous impact. If you really want to honor Deanna, make your commitment to non-violence permanent.

Thank you.

It's just so sad to think that it takes the life of our beautiful friend to realize that. Life is not about material things and its not about an image you try to project. We all have to start being good to each other because you never know when your enemy or your best friend will be gone, just like that. When LaLa died, a part of me died, a part of all of us died. This has made me realize everything that I have taken for granted. I regret every single time that I have been around a fight and I've cheered it on rather than broken it up. Life is too short to have so much hate. We have to start loving each other. LaLa died in a time of hate, LaLa died over nothing. You start to think how messed up this world is when it takes a life to teach us this lesson. LaLa is safe now. Rest in peace LaLa. We love you.

Our volleyball program has been truly blessed to have her as a part of our family. Freshman year was her first playing volleyball, but she didn’t let that stop her from becoming one of the best players. She truly represents what being a part of a team and being a part of a family are all about. Deanna was always helping and supporting the other players. She always worked her hardest no matter how tired, hungry or hurt she was. Most of you don’t know what volleyball practice is like, but I will let you know that it is a lot of hard work. Two and a half hours of running and always pushing yourself to get better. But no matter how tough things got, Deanna always had a way of making us feel better. If I was crying because I was tired, she could make me laugh. She has touched all of us on a very deep, personal level, and we all have an indescribable amount of love for her. She will always be in our hearts. I have never respected and admired anyone as much as Deanna. She managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA, work as a hostess at the Firehouse, play volleyball and water polo and still make a difference in so many people’s lives. She was always a wonderful friend to me. I would have been a different person without her. I keep seeing Deanna’s beautiful face and thinking about all that she was going to do in her life. Out of everyone I know, she was going to change the world. What has managed to comfort me through this hard time is the knowledge that she did. We cannot let her death be for nothing. We, as a community, need to stop the violence so that other people can live. Deanna would have wanted this.

Her approach would be so simple, yet would effect your whole idea of what beauty is. Never will we meet another being who carried herself with such confidence while at the same time, give off an aura of warmth. Never again will we find a spirit with such an ability to embrace life. Lala, was the energy source that made rebounds to happen. One look and instantly your angst would disappear. Words will never be able explain or replace her tenacity. She lifted burden with her spirit and joy. Never a frown, never a tear. Only smiles, for miles around, spread with ease from ear to ear. She is so giving (unless of course, she was mooching and believe me, this girl knew how to EAT and be proud of it). Smiles she received were no match to what she handed out, for hers came from within and with meaning. Her charm and irresistibility were both truly beautiful and amazingly unique. Deanna was admired and envied by people who surrounded her in life. It was so refreshing to see the way she held herself high and shine with not a hint of arrogance. She is the one and only girl who’d look sexy with her tummy showing in those tight tops with equally tight pants. She was beautiful; she contained the perfect amount of every needed human ingredient: Attitude, intellect, humor, soul, love, passion, joy -and the finishing touch... Lala’s extraordinary charisma.

It’s what you would experience just by being near her, or just by watching her. She had an incredible presence, that you could feel as she came and went. She gave out melodious vibes that would immediately fill our hearts -almost as if she reached out and warmed you from the inside out.

Deanna, you never ceased to amaze us with what you held and who you were. We can only thank you for your existence no matter how short it has been. We were blessed and still are, just because you shared a piece of yourself with each and every person you touched. Though you might have left us to go on, you’ll always remain in our hearts.

Thank you, for everything.

There was always adventure and new experiences when we were together. Most of my life changing experiences were accompanied by Deanna. We were so close and so alike, but as we got older we became such different people. She made perfect grades and was very athletic, and I was failing school and always getting myself into trouble. No matter how different we were, we were still best friends. She tried to help in any way, the best she could. She was there through anything. She would never turn her back on me or anyone for that matter.

She was the most beautiful, intelligent, and honest person I have ever known. To live to be half of what she might become would be a great accomplishment in my life. I love her so much. She will always be my best friend. I hope to see her again one day.

I am creating my identity now, and she is the model. She was my ideal, but my ideal is gone. Life is cruel and harsh, but after all is said and done, we choose how to react. We all feel anger. . . confusion. . . denial. . . and hate. . .but we can’t allow these feelings to eat away our good any longer. Deanna wouldn’t want it that way, because she was always there to create joy and happiness. We can’t ever ignore that, and we can’t ever forget that, because that is her legacy.

We were all created to be good to one another, to be true to one another, and to love one another. Deanna was always good to us, true to us, and loved all of us.

I hope everyone feels the intensity of this moment. I really wish this tragedy re-opens doors that have been shut down by negative feelings. Let’s all gain something and come back stronger and together. Let us all take back what we’ve lost by carrying her goodness in all of us, forever.

She was extremely caring and generous, even with people that didn't know her that well. She was always wearing a smile that would spread to everyone around. She loved life and made other people love it too. She was always trying to make everything cool, just as she was trying to do the last night that she was with us. Her life is something that everyone will miss. She was taken from us and moved on to the unknown, but she will always be within each of us. Whether you were just acquainted with her or you were her best friend, she was able to carve out a place for herself in your heart. Her spirit could fill a room and embrace everyone in it. Everyday something will remind us of her whether it is a memory or a simple gesture. Deanna invested herself into all she could. She put herself into choir, water polo, volleyball and track. She was friends with practically everybody that she met. It was impossible not to like her. She loved everything she did.

Last year, she was in choir with me and we would talk before and after class. She was very kind, and she always spread her energy. This year I haven't talked to her as much as I wish I had, since we did not have any classes together. Now, I will never be able to say hi again, and I regret every opportunity I did not seize to talk to her. I still don't believe that something so tragic could happen to such a wonderful person. I will never be able to talk to her again, walk with her, or simply give her a comforting hug, and it breaks me. You always think that the people that you know, the people that surround you, are invincible; they could never truly get hurt. Then, this kind of incident happens and suddenly you find yourself having to write RIP with your friend’s name following it. It just shouldn't happen.

Deanna, you have imprinted yourself on us and we will always remember you, no matter what happens. I hope that wherever you are, you are spreading your love. We love you. Rest in Peace, Deanna.

I'll never see you again, this thought I can't endure,
All this pain I feel inside, I realize there's no cure.
I thought life was so clear, but now it's just a blur.
I thought I was invincible, but now I'm just insecure.
In this world full of weakness, you were the epitome of perfection,
Most would give anything to look in the mirror, and see your reflection.

I remember the last time I looked into your eyes,
A look of hopelessness, as you prepared for your demise.
My mind searched for answers but the only thing I could think about,
How in this world filled with sorrow, you brought an end to the drought.
So many times, I've replayed this horrible night in my head,
Maybe I could've done something, and you wouldn't be dead.
Then I realize I was as helpless as you were in that car,
In truth, I was stabbed too, but it only left a scar.

After more tears are shed, I'm again forced to think about my life's worst
Night,
Then I picture going to 5th period James on my left, but you're not on my
Right.
Deanna, please I miss you, just come back for one more day,
I just can't understand, it wasn't supposed to happen this way.
Then I recall when I carried you to the car, your blood covered my arm,
Who in their right mind would ever do you any harm?
Shortly thereafter your blood was absorbed by my skin,
How lucky a person would be to have the blood of Deanna within.

Love always,

Tim

Zoë:

Out of all her friends Deanna had to be the loudest. She always stood up for what she believed in and never let anyone tell her otherwise. She disliked when people weren't true to themselves and always called them on it. She was one of the most honest people that you would ever meet. Everyone recognized her strength and honesty and knew that they could always go to her for advice. Even though she came off as an extremely strong person, she had a soft side to her too. She lightened up the mood and always knew when a good laugh was in order. I know that for the both of us she was our idol. We adored her, and if it is possible for angels to roam the earth Deanna was one of them.

Tori:

Deanna didn't get everything that she asked for; yet she never complained. She just lived her life to the fullest. We all act as though comfort and luxury are the chief requirements of life, when all that we need is something to be enthusiastic about.

Tori:

Even now we still feel her presence everywhere and she is never out of our minds. Eating is especially difficult because we keep thinking she is sitting next to us at the table waiting for us to say, “You know that you want some Deanna! So I'll just turn away for a quick second and you can take a little bite I wont mind;”. Going to the beach, tanning on the roof, Abercrombie models, Krispy Creams, In and Out, C&O, IHOP, The Firehouse cafe, Max Steel and Batman Beyond.... these are only a small portion of things that we had shared with Deanna. Aristotle once said, What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies. We have known Lala for several years and every moment was special and will never be forgotten. She was and will always be a large part of us.

Zoë:

Even though her death was extremely tragic and devastating, there is a dawn in everyone. We have all learned the true meaning of life. Everyone took life for granted until now. But we have learned how precious the gift of life really is. We all need to realize that the negatives in life shouldn't be taken so seriously. We all have good inside and its just a matter of finding that good and putting it to use.

Now whenever we look up into the night sky we think of what Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet,

When she shall die take her and cut her out into stars and she shall make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night l demand pay no worship to the garish sun.

And we know that she will always be up there looking upon us.

Tori:

We love you so much our dearest Lala and the thought of you sings, smiles, dances, and glows in our hearts forever.

Deanna Maran who always made everyone laugh
Deanna Maran who ate for 1 person like she was 2 and a 1/2
Deanna Maran who always tried her best
Deanna Maran who was different from the rest
Deanna Maran who loved and cared
Deanna Maran who as friends we shared
Deanna Maran who loved to dance and get down
Deanna Maran who smiled instead of frowned
Deanna Maran who everyone was a perfect fit
Deanna Maran who knew how to work her hips
Deanna Maran who I called Knockout Queen and Thunder Thighs
Deanna Maran who was the brightest star in the sky
Deanna Maran who was a student and athlete
Deanna Maran who without our lives are incomplete
Deanna Maran who we will always miss
Deanna Maran who deserves better than this
Deanna Maran who wasn’t shy
Deanna Maran who’s limit was the sky
Deanna Maran the reason we are here today because a little in us died the day
Deanna Maran passed away

We love you “Lala”

Love, Dan

I remember the love letters which I would rip up disgusted that you liked me, for it was unrequited love. You gave me love letters, I ripped them, you drew our wedding pictures, I destroyed them, you wrote a letter pretending to be chi-chi, I was furious. Only now do I realize I was a fool. I had the most amazing girl in the world in love with me and turned her down. But I had something with you, only four others did, you were my sister, and always will be.

Now I try to get on with my life, but cannot, for a part of me is dead. I am thankful I still have three sisters and one brother, but nothing can fill the gap you have left.

You have left me your friends who have taught me about another side of you I never knew. I look out today and see just how many people you have touched. Until I join you, you will be in my thoughts every minute of everyday.

Your smile lit up the room
Your laugh kept it shining
Your love surrounded us all
We surrounded you

Your heart was stabbed once
Ours was stabbed twice
Your blood stained our clothes
Our stained hearts breath

Eternity wouldn't wake you up
Eternity won't let you go
Eternity stood by your side
Eternity stood by ours

Cause by what you bestowed
In our short time together
Will last in my heart forever and ever

You taught us to never give up
We trusted you
We need your strength
We need your dignity
We need your presence

Enjoy now your long awaited reward
Feel peace that your love continues on
What was taught to me, will be taught to mine
Cause you live on in me even after you've gone

Eternity is yours forever
r.i.p. Deanna

The night was one big blur
I can't see the party from the hospital
Deanna's face from her voice
The perfume from my cell phone
Everything was so inconceivable
So uncertain
Looking back is like fast forwarding a scary movie
With the tears and the fright as the music in the background

I couldn't even think about her, I just kept thinking about the situation she was in
And I finally realized that the only thing that could keep me from going crazy, the only thing that could keep me level headed was thinking about her life
How much she had to offer
How much she loved everyone and everything
How much strength and support she gave me and my friends
How she would jump in and dance in the middle of every circle of shy people on a dance floor
How she ate like she was never going to eat again
How her exquisite face was seen by everyone she saw and her radiance was sensed by everyone she talked to
Not in the least bit selfish
She gave a piece of herself to everybody
And I know my piece of Deanna will remain eternally.

Deanna got to love, to be loved and to share her love
The most important things in the world
We mourn the death of our friend
And pray for a better future for the rest of us
What a price to pay for a valuable lesson
I can only hope now that the lesson stays with us for the rest of our lives

LaLa was gorgeous, inside and out. Her beauty was so captivating. It wasn't long before random customers became regular diners, (wanting to catch a glimpse of her radiant smile), Many customers mesmerized by her natural beauty would ask about her and we'd have to tell them, "Sorry dude, she's only 15."

Our days at the Firehouse always ended the same way. The final minute ticked on the time clock, tips were passed out, and we all gathered at our favorite booth. Sometimes LaLa would even pull out her homework and ask for help. And always, the boys would sit around her like 10 little Indians trying to warm themselves by the fire.

We will always miss you, Deanna, but just the thought of your smile and your cute little dimple brightens up our days.

Crystal: Remember that one time in 8th grade when you and Deanna were in that solo competition?

Salomae: Yeah, and in the middle of her solo you kept bouncing up and down trying to groove to Deanna’s classical song she was singing.

Crystal: Yeah, then Nancy hit me an I started to giggle, then Deanna stopped singing and laughed right along us. . . . She lost because of me but she never held a grudge.

Salomae: And what did she say after the competition? . . . “forget this”

Together: “I’m hungry.”

Crystal: She always found humor in everything . . . the one thing I can say about Deanna is “WOO, WOO”

Salomae: “You know, you know.”

Together: “Deanna LALA Maran, rest in peace.”