Celebrating Graham

  In honor of Graham’s birthday, April 4, 2024, Graham’s parents invited a large group of his friends to their house to celebrate what would’ve been his 17th birthday. His mom set up food that Graham liked and spread out old yearbooks to see old photos of him and friends together. When it came time for the sunset, everyone went out on boats towards Shark Tower—one of Graham’s favorite spots in the  bay. At the tower, similar to last year, the group plucked flower petals and threw them into the water. His mom gave out large balloon doves and markers to write messages to Graham that were then set off into the sky, and into his arms. From junior Jake McDevitt, “I’ll forever appreciate his parents and the pain they’ve endured while still making sure that everyone is able to honor him all the same.”

     Following that, on April 12, 2024, Shorecrest’s entire junior class was invited to St. Pete Beach—where Graham frequented with friends. Many watched the sunset together and the waves lap, reflecting on the many memories made in the water with Graham and together over the years. In a final note of commemoration, the group wrote ‘LLG’ (Long Live Graham) in the sand, honoring and celebrating his life and infinite impact.