Sunday, May 19, 2013

Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Coakley Middle School student remembered
Posted: 08.24.2010 at 2:04 PM
Daisy Barrera

Daisy is a reporter for Action 4 News.

5
Slideshow
Photo:

The start of school at Coakley Middle School in Harlingen was not like any other.

Students are buzzing over the year ahead but no one can ignore the absence of a young girl who once captivated so many with her smile.

"One thing that I clearly remember distinctly about her, is her smile,” Ray Magaña, school counselor said. ”Her dimples, she had two dimples, and we're going to miss her greatly here at Coakley Middle School."

That's how some remember the bright-eyed teenager, Anissa Salazar.

Spirited, bubbly, easy to get along with and like most teens, living in the moment.

"Her whole attention right now was getting into the eighth grade,” Magaña said, “and looking forward to her first official pep-rally as one of our cheerleaders."

However, Anissa Salazar will not be at the school's first pep-rally.

Her life was tragically cut short Friday, after the SUV she, her three siblings, mother and two others were traveling in had a blown-out tire and rolled over.

Salazar and her four-year-old brother died instantly along with two others.

Her mother and two other siblings survived the accident.

Before her life's end, Salazar had spent months preparing to be a cheerleader for the Coakley Cougars.

Cheerleading Sponsor Belinda Duran says the team has had a tough time with the loss of one of their members.

"The girls had some counseling yesterday,” Duran said. “Everyone let out their emotions. It was very hard but at the end of the day we remembered her with such beautiful memories (like) how she was always laughing (and) she was always singing."

Coakley Principal Dalia Garcia said it's been an emotional start to this school year, but counselors and teachers have held strong for their students.

Garcia said Salazar left behind such a good impression on her fellow students, that they are making all efforts to keep a permanent reminder of her on campus.

"Several students have come-up with some great ideas on how to help the family and how to honor Anissa.” Garcia said. “In her memory, Home Depot has donated a tree which we will plant in her memory."

Salazar was part of the cheerleading squad, volleyball team and played the chello for the school band.

Garcia said the first pep-rally scheduled for early September will be dedicated to Salazar.

Teachers and students are also looking to fundraise to help her family with funeral and medical expenses.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
86-year-old struck, killed by 86-year-old driver
Action 4 News Staff  |  Today at 1:00 PM  |  8 comments
Thumbnail
Family pet mauled and killed by loose pit bulls
Veronica Gallegos  |  Yesterday at 11:55 PM  |  34 comments
Thumbnail
Man attacks woman with a cable box
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 9:21 AM  |  16 comments
Follow Valley Central
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Valley Football Central
LIVE video and audio streams of Rio Grande Valley high school football games.
Pay It 4Ward
Pay It 4Ward is a program where Action 4 News viewers can nominate a person who selflessly gives to others for a cash prize.
KGBT on Twitter
Follow Action 4 News on Twitter
KGBT on Facebook
Follow Action 4 News on Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT