MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Tuesday, Cummings Optional School took time to remember five students who were killed in a tragic house fire.
Silence now lingers in a hallway that was once filled with the smiling faces of Kerra, Ernest, Cameron and Alonzo.
“I think I will remember how they smiled. They used to say good morning to everyone even people they didn’t know,” said Senyia Kizer.
On Tuesday, the tears flowed but Kizer remembers a time joy summoned the same stream from her eyes.
She fondly remembered how Cameron Jett often joked with her.
“He used to make me laugh so hard I used to cry,” added Kizer.
It’s an unbreakable bond that tragedy shook but hasn’t shattered.
Cummings students embraced the father, Ernest Jett Senior, reassuring him that while he’s lost six children in a fire he’s now gained dozens more.
“If one person hurt, we are all hurt. It’s everyone together as one,” said Jermaine Parker.
As everyone released the balloons and watched as they soared high above into the sky, many let go of their pain but didn’t let go of the good times.
“It gives me hope in my heart to know that they are still here,” added Kizer.
The school said they will also start a garden in honor of the family.
They’ve also created links of hope to inspire unity despite devastation
Plans are also in the works to start a family support center on campus in memory of the fire victims.
