Remembering Trevor Pierce

As a student, an athlete, and an Eagle Scout, Trevor Pierce showed extreme dedication and persistence to people and pursuits he cared about. I knew when I met him during the first day of cross country my freshman year, his light, humor, and enthusiasm would be the reason the team stuck together through everything. We didn't become true best friends until sophomore year, when there were only 12 runners left; we all stuck together through thick and thin. Trevor always stood out to me, whether it was his contagious laugh during team bonding nights or his encouraging pep talks before every race, he was there for everyone.

One of the team bonding nights we had was at a teammate's house. It was fairly cold (35° Fahrenheit) and we all headed outside to the hot tub; there we shared our favorites memories of racing and funny jokes. Trevor had grabbed one of the bottles of scent crystals for the hot tub and poured the entire bottle in, burning all of our nose hairs off; everyone had a good laugh.

Last year, he learned that his mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. As a team, we rose up and all wore hot pink shoelaces to show support and as a tribute to Trevor, I promise I will wear them on my racing shoes until there is nothing left of them.

He was never afraid to voice his opinion and everyone who knew him knows he would have been a fantastic politician. Trevor was a big fan of former Democratic presidential candidate, Andrew Yang. He attended many rallies and has gotten his M.A.T.H. (Make America Think Harder) hat signed at least 10 times. One of the times he went, he invited me. I was hesitant about it; not only was I incredibly shy and didn't enjoy going places with many people, Trevor somehow talked me into it and it will be a night that I will never forget. I learned so much and he made the experience so much fun.

In July, I had gotten spinal fusion surgery to correct my scoliosis. In the weeks leading up to it, Trevor and I had gone out for several track workouts and runs around the beach. Not only was it good to socialize with people other than our family members, but we both got a good sweat in too. Post surgery, he texted me to make sure I was recovering well and to see if I was going to be able to run cross country at all. At the time, it seemed like I wasn't going to, however not even a month afterward, I was up and running (literally.) I truly believe that if Trevor hadn't texted me pep talks, I wouldn't of done as well as I have this season. He knew how to push people to their fullest capability (without injuries!)

After have attending his memorial on Saturday, I have gained a new perspective on his passing. A teacher here at Conant, Anne Marie-Osheyack, spoke in a poem saying that maybe Trevor had already completed everything he had to complete here; he had done so much with his such little time here. Although everyone who knew Trevor wishes he could of lived a longer, more fulfilling life, I think we all agree that it is incredible how much he has affected our lives in such a positive way in his short 18 years.

Thank you, Trevor, for everything you have done. It was incredibly fun creating unforgettable memories with you and I'm so grateful that you were in my life. You were such a respectable role model and a wonderful soul. Rest easy, Trev.