As we approach graduation, I can not help but think about one person who is no longer with us, but would be graduating with our class. James Street was my classmate at lower campus for several years. He was one of the brightest and happiest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. James had a way with making people laugh, and he could always make you smile no matter what kind of day you were having.

He reached out to others in a very special way, and touched the hearts of countless people who walk this earth today. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. His spirit is remembered as full of life, he appreciated each day that he was blessed with and ironically, he always made a point to say that we should live out every day as if it was our last.

It seems just like it was yesterday when we were in 3rd grade together and he used to sing “get your books and materials ready to go” at the end of class each day.

James’s passion for music and acting were very clear. He played the voice of Strawberry Shortcake‘s Huckleberry Pie and Madeline’s Pepito. James was also very passionate about sports, baseball in particular. His love for Derek Jeter specifically was a favorite obsession.

To me, James’s spirit lives on in the New York Yankees baseball team. I make a point to watch the games when they are on and take a moment to remember perhaps one of the sweetest friends I have ever had. James was taken far too soon, but his short amount of time on this earth left a strong impact on those who knew and loved him.