• Hundreds gathered to remember Rickards High senior Gavin Witmer.
• The 17-year-old and his mother died in a car accident on Tennessee Street on Monday.
• Watch the video to hear the impact Gavin has had on so many lives:

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

A true leader, friend and beacon of positivity.

That’s how classmates describe a Rickards student killed in a crash this week.

Hundreds gathered at the school here to honor 17-year-old Gavin Witmer.

“Gavin just left a mark on people’s hearts,” junior Journee Mack said.

Her story, one of many about friendship, compassion and understanding.

Each personal story, each touching.

All remembering the life of Gavin Witmer.

Gavin and his mother died in a car accident on Tennessee Street on Monday.

They were on their way to a Veterans Day parade

“It’s very hard for us to walk into that band room where our drum major is never going to be back there, but at the same time, we can only appreciate what a good person he was,” Mack said.

Hundreds came to honor the life of the International Baccalaureate student.

The bandmates shared with the crowd how Gavin had an impact on them.

“I wasn’t even a freshman yet and I didn’t know how to play my instrument, but he instantly met me with kindness and a touch of humor,” said one student.

That’s the leadership Mack remembered, too.

“He never made me feel like I was doing anything wrong because since he was the drum major, it was his job to lead and correct,” Mack said. “When he corrected people, he corrected his own mistakes. He was just a good person.”

Taj Al-Hakim Mustafa Ali remembered him not only as a leader but also as a friend with a bright and bubbly personality.

“I’d like to hear you laugh after you’ve played a sloppy whisper on your saxophone for the hundredth time,” said Mustafa Ali. “I wish I could see your smile as you watch the band progress in their musical and marching talent.”

One thing was clear: all who say they knew him are glad to have had him in their lives.

“The way you talked, the way you moved, the way you lit up everyone’s life. You are truly a blessing to be in my life,” Mack said. “I thank God every day that I can’t see you, I thank God that I was able to meet a wonderful person like you.”

The band will now offer an award in Gavin’s name so his legacy lives on.