There are many ways a community can respond to tragedy. Sometimes it will band together and provide each other with support and work for the greater good. Other times, individuals will isolate themselves and blame and despair are spread from person to person. Fortunately, in the wake of the deeply saddening death of sophomore Trinidad Flores, South has responded in the former.

The movement to provide support to Trinidad’s family and to each other was led by a Student Council ribbon campaign. The campaign allows students to buy red ribbons at lunch (red was to Student Council’s knowledge Trinidad’s favorite color) all proceeds go to helping Trinidad’s family.  According to Student Council member Lena Pelini, the original idea was to use flowers but as these would only last a short time, they would only be able to be sold for small window in time. Ribbons, however, can be worn on purchasers clothing to support Trinidad.

The event began in a classroom on Wednesday, April 24th, when 17 kids met to make the ribbons which are being sold for however much students wish to pay.

“People have been giving everything from the change in their wallets to today when someone gave me $15…they have been very generous” said Pellini. She sees this as very positive development and notes that after only 2 days about half of the original 380 ribbons are gone totalling about $150.

As a ribbon bearer himself, sophomore Seamus Hawley reflected, “It feels good. I’m proud to have provided support.”

Ribbons will be sold in all three lunches, but can also be procured by giving money to any student council member. The sale will continue until all ribbons are sold.