Lakes Community senior loses cancer fight
Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa has lost a senior to an aggressive form of brain cancer.
A text message notified families throughout the district that Bryan Jardinico died Saturday morning.
"Those of you that know Bryan witnessed his courage and strength as he maintained a positive attitude during his treatment. Bryan wanted nothing more than to return to school and be with his friends here at Lakes," the part of the text read.
It's another blow to an area still reeling from the recent death of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a father of four who was shot while on duty Sept. 1. His death triggered a massive manhunt and drew national attention and mourners from across the country.
The Lakes Community football team honored Jardinico as a fourth team captain just two weeks ago at its matchup against Grayslake North on Aug. 28.
On Saturday, football players each designed a memorial sticker for their helmets and shared the meaning on the team's Twitter account, @LakesFootball1.
Some decorated their stickers with a heart to remember to love every moment. Others used "4B," dedicating the rest of the season "for Bryan."
Lakes is a member of Community High School District 117, which includes Antioch Community High School. The district includes students from Fox Lake, Lindenhurst, Lake Villa and Antioch.
Several football players included on their stickers a memorial for the very fresh deaths of Gliniewicz and student Haylie Winiewicz, 15, of Lindenhurst, a Grayslake High School District 127 a cheerleader who, along with her father Chris, died Aug. 29 after a two-vehicle crash in Lindenhurst.
Football player Larry Holmgren (@Larry_Holmgren3) tweeted: "For Bryan and his battle with brain cancer, may you forever be seen as the most uncommon, most inspiring, loving man out there. For Lt. Joe may that man's courage and righteousness to keep the community safe be forever seen as an example of what a real man is. And for Haylie, may her kind and cheerful spirit be forever remembered and reflected through everyone's lives."
In a recent letter to families, Superintendent Jim McKay wrote of how the typically positive beginning of the school year was darkened by several tragic events.
"Times like these unite people in deeper, more meaningful ways than may typically occur. When people come together, they create a renewed light and hope," he wrote. "We look forward to a more positive time; but in the meantime, please know we are here to serve students in many capacities. If your student/s is struggling with the recent events, or any school matter, please do not hesitate to ask for help."
The student services team will be available on Monday to provide support for students grieving following Jardinico's death.
Additionally, the staff shared a link with suggestions for parents as they speak with their grieving students,
https://sites.google.com/a/chsd117.org/lchs-counseling/parent-resources.