Flags are being flown at half mast throughout Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U in honor of Army Pfc. Michael Pearson, a 2006 graduate of Bolingbrook High School who was among 13 people killed yesterday at Fort Hood, Texas.
Bolingbrook High School Principal James Mitchem said school officials informed students and staff at the school this morning about the tragedy, which resulted in 13 deaths and 31 people being wounded.
“The flags are being flown at half mast at all district buildings,” said Mitchem, who was also Pearson’s principal at B.J. Ward Middle School.
“It is with considerable sadness that the Board of Education and the Valley View family learned of the death of Michael Pearson,” said Steve Quigley, president of the District 365-U Board.
District 365-U Superintendent Phillip Schoffstall said Pearson “was a good student and a good citizen who loved art and music while in school.”
“The tragic loss of a young life cut short touches all of us who work with students every day,” Schoffstall said.
According to Major Vince Rukstalis, director of the school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program, Pearson participated in ROTC for one year while a freshman at BHS.
Rukstalis said some discussions have taken place regarding possible remembrances for Pearson, but “nothing has been decided yet.”
No services have been announced yet by the family, said Shanitra Brooks, spokeswoman for the district. Brooks also said the flags at district building likely would fly at half mast at least throughout the weekend.
In a release issued today, Nov. 6, by the district, officials said the district would provide support to Pearson’s family, Bolingbrook students and staff.
Valley View operates 21 learning centers in both Bolingbrook and Romeoville.
