Megan Wolitski, a dancer remembered as full of smiles and laughter, a 11-year-old girl who aspired to be a teacher like her mother, won't have a chance to realize those hopes and dreams, after a Thursday morning crash tragically cut short her young life.
"Our precious Megan was taken from us today. We are devastated by this loss. She was a beautiful, smart, and caring girl," reads a statement from the family. They recalled Megan as a girl who loved dancing, especially ballet and jazz, a Girl Guide with plans of going to Switzerland with her group, and a loving sister and daughter. "We would like Megan to be remembered for the incredible girl that she was. She loved her family and loved to take care of her sister and baby cousins. She touched so many lives with her kindness. On behalf of her family, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers."
At Silhouette Dance School, three roses sit on a table next to a table bearing Megan's picture and a pair of pointe shoes in memory of the school's former student. Instructor Jake Hastey posted a message to the school and its students, noting that the school was a dance family, "not just because of our love of dance, but because of our love of each other.
"I can't even imagine life without Megan but I am so thankful for every moment we got to spend with her." Like many others who shed tears over the loss, he noted his "heart is with Megan and her wonderful parents and family."
"We all share the pain of the family's tragic loss," the St. Paul Education Regional Division (SPERD) website reads. "We continue to pray for all students, staff, families, and friends impacted by the events of October 25."
A celebration of Megan's life will take place at the St. Paul Recreation Centre this Friday at 7 p.m. - since Megan loved the colour pink, the family is requesting that all attending wear pink.
Megan and two of her classmates were critically injured following the accident that saw a white minivan traveling westbound on a back alley, when the driver went through the schoolyard's fence and crashed into the east side of the school. The van went through the school window and landed in the Grade 6 French classroom, pinning three students under the vehicle and injuring others in the room. The three critically injured girls were airlifted to hospital in Edmonton for treatment, while five other non-critically injured students were treated and released from hospital on the day of the accident itself. Two of the critically injured girls were still in hospital as of Monday afternoon.
On Friday evening, the school became the site of a prayer vigil, with candles and stuffed animals lining the sidewalk and hundreds gathering to mourn the loss of Megan and pray for those impacted by the event. Somber faces watched as Father Mark Sych and Father Gilbert Dasna led people in prayer, with Father Dasna asking for support and courage for those affected. "We are the people of faith, we are the people of hope." While he prayed for peace for the affected families and friends and the community at large, he counseled people to remember that even in moments of mourning and discouragement, "The Good Lord is still with us."
Brandi Findley-Frowen, who co-organized the vigil with the help of several others, said she felt helpless in the face of the tragedy, and knew that like her, several others were at home crying.
"It just made sense to come together," she said, adding the vigil was a chance for people to grieve, mourn and pray together "and also show the families we're here for them. They're not alone - we're behind them 100 per cent."
After being re-lit, the glow of the candles burned into the night, in remembrance of one young life cut tragically short, and in prayer for those that remain.