According to Webster’s dictionary, “a tribute is evidence of good: something that is indicative of a value, benefit, or good quality in somebody or something.” On January 16, the Orion Gazette ran an article in “tribute” to Greg Nightingale, a student of Orion High School who died on January 4, 2009.
We read the article and were saddened to see the lack of focus on the many good qualities that Greg held. We would like to add to the article and show the readers another side of Greg that many of you may not know.
Greg was a caring, outstanding young man. His passions included family, friends, animals and of course the Xbox.
He was a typical high school boy who would make his peers laugh, but also had a more serious side to him, and focused on education when necessary.
OHS Spanish teacher, Sylvia Rodts added, “I found Greg to be a hard-working, respectful student who maintained consistent grades by always doing his homework and by participating in class. He was always prepared for the lesson, and although he was soft-spoken, he contributed to the class with his cooperative attitude and his sense of humor. I was fortunate to have had him in class in that unique first semester I taught at OHS.”
Greg almost always carried a smile. If you knew Greg you can picture this smile, a smirk at times, but always a greeting with a smile.
Alyssa Zwicker, a fellow classmate, said, “Greg always had a way of bringing a smile to someone’s face, no matter what. His was the kind of personality that brightened a room, even when it didn’t seem possible. He was known as the funny, yet responsible, kid. Never did I see or hear him put someone down. He didn’t think that he was better than anyone. Greg lived his life the way many teens should aspire to. He was a helpful classmate, a good listener, a loving son, and a great friend.”
Greg was a helpful 17-year-old country boy. From helping his father on the farm to mowing yards at a moment’s notice, Greg was willing to help where help was needed.
“It was a pleasure having Greg as a student. Greg had a real selfless and giving attitude toward life that really made him stand out. Orion will miss his sincere smile, great sense of humor and giving spirit,” stated Andrew Lister, an OHS English teacher.
