Traffic Crash Takes Life of Rochester Century High School Student
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Homecoming weekend took a tragic turn for students at Rochester's Century High School.
Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel sent out an email Saturday evening to Century High School families informing them that a traffic crash Saturday afternoon had claimed the life of a Century student. Details concerning the deadly incident and the identity of the student have not been released.
The Superintendent indicated that canceling the homecoming dance for Century High School was considered, but it was decided it was not a viable option due to the short amount of time available to implement the option after the school district learned about the afternoon's tragic events. It was also decided that the dance would provide an opportunity for school district counselors and other staff to support to the classmates of the crash victim and give them an opportunity to support each other at the gathering.
Read Superintendent Pekel's full email below.
Dear Rochester Public Schools Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
Earlier this evening we learned of a Century High School student who died in a car accident late this afternoon. We are unable to provide more information at this time.
In light of this tragic loss, we considered canceling the homecoming dance at Century High School this evening, but given the time at which we found out about the student’s death, canceling the dance was not a viable option. In addition, we decided to go forward with the dance because that gives us the opportunity to provide students with support and a chance to be together at what may be a difficult time for some students. Century counseling and social work staff have joined us at the school tonight and will provide support to students as needed.
We are thinking of the family and friends of the Century student who lost their life this evening, and we will provide additional information and assistance in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel
Superintendent of Schools
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