Syracuse week was ‘life changing’ for Lockerbie pupils

TEN young people from Lockerbie Academy are reflecting and remembering after a life changing week in America.

Accompanied by headteacher Brian Asher and depute Kerry Currie, the academy group travelled to Syracuse University to take part in their Remembrance Week.

Their trip was the first time such a large group of school pupils from the town has been together to the US campus, which lost 35 of its own students in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103.

And it’s hoped the experience, which has been described as poignant, moving and emotional, will become an annual event.

They were guests of honour at a welcome dinner hosted by Syracuse Chancellor Syverud, his wife Dr Chan, Provost Lois Agnew, Vice Provost Elisa Dekaney, and also attended by the university’s 35 Remembrance Scholars and many guests and friends of Lockerbie.

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WARM WELCOME . . . everyone was keen to meet the Lockerbie group Thereafter, the week was meticulously planned for the group to ensure they were able to see the university in all its glory, meet staff members and students, and take in all the amazing buildings and facilities.[/caption]

Highlights included visiting the Lally Athletics Complex, meeting Coach Jack and Coach Autry from the hugely successful basketball teams, Coach McIntyre from soccer, taking in Coach Brown’s amazing football facilities; as well as workshops in the art museum, eSports wing and film and TV production.

Meanwhile, poignant moments included joining the 35 Remembrance Scholars “sitting in solidarity” to remember all those who were killed on December 21; and taking part in the Rose Laying and Convocation, which was a chance to lay flowers in memory of the 11 Lockerbie residents who lost their lives, and for Andrew McClune, who died during his year as a Lockerbie Scholar.

At the latter, Grace Key and Amelia Cameron spoke beautifully, looking back at how Lockerbie has shown resilience, community spirit and strength, whilst pledging to act forward.

Now back in Scotland, there are plans for a community evening to share the experiences of the week and explain more about the special relationship between the school and university.

There will be assemblies for the whole secondary school during the last week of term and the young people have expressed that they would like to have a similar “sitting in solidarity” event around the academy’s own cairn.

Summing up the trip, Ms Currie this week said: “It was a week that no words can describe.

“Our community should be incredibly proud of these ten young adults who have been the most kind, caring, reflective and compassionate ambassadors for this town.

“Thank you does not seem enough for the life changing experiences and new friendships the group will cherish.

“This trip was fully funded by Syracuse University, with whom, we look forward to continuing to build friendships and remember those lost on PanAm 103.”

n REPRESENTING Lockerbie were: Jonathan Brandt, Amelia Cameron, Ailay Carruthers, Ella Howatson, James Johnson, Grace Key, Lilian Ong, Ravi Sandu, Yvie Stewart and Iona Yule.