It’s been three years. Three years since we lost fellow Spartan John Chris Stevens.
For some of us, it’s senior year, and we long for our classmate and friend when experiencing these exciting moments of our last year in high school. Our Prom, senior class trip and graduation await us, and we’ll carry John with us throughout this year on our journey to adulthood and farther—for the rest of our lives.
John always managed to give me the most heartwarming hello as he rode past my house on weekend afternoons. As he rode down the streets of Springfield on that almost too small bike, waving to everyone he knew, he seemed to have the happiest life.
John was someone you could count on to cheer you up or make you feel so much more than ordinary.
“Something I will always remember about John is his selflessness that he showed towards me and others around us,” said senior Justin Mettling. “Up until John’s final days he exhibited this trait to everyone around him.”
Every chance he had, whether it was a little piece of candy or half his lunch, he gave it all to others, with a smile. The kindness John showed toward us shouldn’t go unnoticed: The students of WS should carry this trait with them indefinitely, learning from what he taught us.
“There were so many times when he made me laugh,” said Mettling. “He was such a funny and unique kid, with a great sense of humor.”
John lived for making others smile or getting a good laugh. He cracked jokes often, without a second thought. Through his actions, he brought something to the Spartan community that a lot of people do not—benevolence.
His kindness overwhelmed us, constantly contributing the words of “how are you” or “how’s your day going?” John went out of his way for us all, just to show that he genuinely cared for each and every one of his friends.
When John died, hundreds of students, teachers, and friends gathered in his remembrance at St. Raymond’s for his funeral.
“I’ll never forget going to his funeral and seeing all the teachers from elementary school,” said senior Rachel Stryker.” “They came to show their respects and I was talking to my old fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Green, about him and how he was such a kind-hearted child who was always full of energy.”
John was always one for adventure. Whether it was biking around the Springfield area, running through the creek exploring, or discovering unknown areas of Springfield, he was always ready to discover something new.
“My favorite memory of John is when he took me down to Byron Baseball Park and told me all about how much he loved adventures and discovering different things,” said senior Katie Snook. “It made him such a genuine person and so down-to-earth.”
Spartans, especially our senior class, will always carry John close to our hearts, along with that memorable smile.
Rest easy, John. You are greatly missed.