Home » Neighborhood News » The Salem Observer
January 24. 2013 9:43PM
PELHAM - Expressions of sympathy and mourning in the form of graffiti on the exterior of Pelham High School may lead to criminal charges, police said on Thursday.
In the days following the death of high school junior Zach Andrews, 16, black and blue spray-painted messages appeared on several sides of the building.
While the intent of the vandals was no doubt a sincere one, that doesn't excuse the defacing of school property, said local police and school officials, who are hoping video surveillance will ultimately reveal the vandals' identities.
Acting Superintendent Amanda Lecaroz could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
Andrews died of pneumonia complications on Jan. 19 after spending several weeks in a medically induced coma at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
An avid history buff, the young man had made many friends at the close-knit high school and was known for his great sense of humor.
Zach's friends gathered for a memorial vigil outside the school this past Sunday evening.
A noontime funeral mass will take place today at St. Patrick Church in Pelham.
Commenting on the town of Pelham's message board, Cathy Pinette said school officials made efforts to cope with Zach's death in various ways, and trained staff appointed to serve grief counselors were made available to students returning from the long holiday weekend on Tuesday.
A large photograph of Zach was placed in the front foyer, with a memory board made available for his friends and classmates to jot down messages and memories, Pinette said, and at the start of the day the entire school observed a moment of silence, with the school's bell tolling 16 times to symbolize Zach's years of life.
Zach's father, Keith, is currently the junior vice commander of Pelham American Legion Post 100 and his friends at the club are assisting the family by hosting a fundraising dinner at the town's VFW Post on Friday, Feb. 1. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Hall, 12 Main St. in Pelham.
aguilmet@newstote.com
Grieving graffiti artists may be charged
In the days following the death of high school junior Zach Andrews, 16, black and blue spray-painted messages appeared on several sides of the building.
While the intent of the vandals was no doubt a sincere one, that doesn't excuse the defacing of school property, said local police and school officials, who are hoping video surveillance will ultimately reveal the vandals' identities.
Acting Superintendent Amanda Lecaroz could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
Andrews died of pneumonia complications on Jan. 19 after spending several weeks in a medically induced coma at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
An avid history buff, the young man had made many friends at the close-knit high school and was known for his great sense of humor.
Zach's friends gathered for a memorial vigil outside the school this past Sunday evening.
A noontime funeral mass will take place today at St. Patrick Church in Pelham.
Commenting on the town of Pelham's message board, Cathy Pinette said school officials made efforts to cope with Zach's death in various ways, and trained staff appointed to serve grief counselors were made available to students returning from the long holiday weekend on Tuesday.
A large photograph of Zach was placed in the front foyer, with a memory board made available for his friends and classmates to jot down messages and memories, Pinette said, and at the start of the day the entire school observed a moment of silence, with the school's bell tolling 16 times to symbolize Zach's years of life.
Zach's father, Keith, is currently the junior vice commander of Pelham American Legion Post 100 and his friends at the club are assisting the family by hosting a fundraising dinner at the town's VFW Post on Friday, Feb. 1. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Hall, 12 Main St. in Pelham.
aguilmet@newstote.com
Salem » Local Events
- Maple Street skate park revamp plans amping up in Manchester - 0
- Congo war's legacy follows survivor to NH - 0
- ‘Ellen’ helps reunite NH military family via Internet - 0
- Help Combat Invasive Plants; Loaner Tools & Statewide Web Resource - 0
- Cranmore Opens for Spring/Summer Operations on May 25 - 0
- 29th Annual Chowder Fest Kicks-Off Summer on June 1st - 0
- Bedford condo shows high style in a smaller space - 0
- Memorial Day Observances 2013 - 0
- No big Powerball winners in NH, but tidy sums taken - 0
Goffstown holds off on school borrowing
READER COMMENTS: 0Press Releases
Loon Mountain Resort Opens for Summer May 25
READER COMMENTS: 0LINCOLN, NH (May 20, 2013) – Spring has sprung in the mountains, and Loon Mountain Resort is already gearing up for an exciting summer. The resort will open for the summer season on Memorial...
Seven Earn N.H. Fish and Game Commission Awards of Excellence
READER COMMENTS: 0CONCORD, N.H. -- Seven New Hampshire citizens and organizations were recently recognized by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission with Awards of Excellence for their efforts in the conservation...
0