Central School honors memory of fifth-grader
On July 4, Laura Napravnik spent an almost-perfect Independence Day at a sleepover at the house of her best friend, fellow Central School fifth-grader Lexi Porreca, 11.
"It was a great day," Laura said, recalling fireworks, playing on the computer and visiting Lexi's grandparents.
Four days later, Lexi was dead, struck by a Jeep as she crossed River Road.
Wednesday, Central School staff and students memorialized Lexi, recalling her gifts and talents and dedicating a tree and bench to her in the park across the street from the Des Plaines school. Students made origami birds that those present placed throughout the park.
Lexi was at Central only a year, having moved from Lake in the Hills, but she stood out from the start, Principal Jan Rashid said.
"Within a few weeks, if not a few days, many of the staff and students knew her name, because she just stood out," Rashid said, "for her smile, her positive spirit, her sense of humor, her thoughtful comments, her kindness, her curiosity and her thirst for knowledge."
Lexi's fifth-grade teacher, Mary Fink, recalled how each day at recess, Lexi would want to talk to her about books she was reading - suggesting some be used in class - and how she got Fink to see the film "An Inconvenient Truth."
"She was very concerned about the impact of global warming," Fink said.
Rashid recalled Lexi experimenting with bird calls for a project in the school's program for advanced learners. Her favorite memory, Rashid said, was of Lexi's gutsy singing of "Tomorrow" from the play "Annie" a cappella.
"At her wake, her grandfather and I were talking and he said Lexi wanted to do it that way," Rashid said.
"She did not want the music to drown out her voice. She wanted to be held accountable for her voice and learn from the process."
Laura Napravnik talked of how she loved hanging out with Lexi. "She spread her talent of singing, laughter, craziness and friendship to everyone she met, including me," Laura said.
Anthony and Candi Porreca, wiping tears from their eyes, thanked the 175 students, teachers and parents at the event for their memories.
"It's amazing to hear from other people how Lexi affected them," Candi said.
Candi said she hopes someday to be "able to smile at the memories instead of cry. She will never be forgotten. We will love her forever."
More about Lexi is on a Web site, lexilulu.memory-of.com, which Candi created and Laura sponsored.
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