Jason Landers, Antwerp Football announcer, read the following before the football game on Friday evening as a tribute to Jessica Thornell, who tragically lost her life.
“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Antwerp Local Schools, I will ask you to join in a moment of silence in memory of Antwerp Freshman, Jess Thornell. This past Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, Antwerp nation was shocked when the news surfaced of the sudden passing of Jess. She was a very intelligent, active young teen Archer. Jess was involved in softball, basketball, volleyball, 4h, STS, and National Honor Society. Jess’s parents Gary and Amy said Jess loved to go the lake. She loved to travel the world. She truly loved her Volleyball teammates and coaches. They asked me to thank the Antwerp School, Students and Teachers, and the community and all of Northwest Ohio and beyond for the outpouring of support their family has received this week. Folks, Let us continue to show our support to Gary, Amy and Eric Thornell. In memory of Jess Thornell, please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you.
“At this time please release the yellow balloons in memory of Jess.”
The schools from around the area wore yellow for suicide prevention. At the Antwerp game, after Landers announced the game the young people and the fans let off balloons as a tribute to Jessica.
Be sure to watch the video on the West Bend News Youtube channel.
Football teams across NW Ohio memorialized Jessica by wearing yellow for suicide awareness. The close-knit community of Antwerp drew together on this evening to show their care and support for their friend who they tragically lost this past week.
More pictures at westbendnews.net
