Ocean Springs Students Mourn Loss of Classmate

Monday was the first day students at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary had class without Spencer Henry, the 11 year old boy who was killed last Friday on Highway 49.

Teachers and counselors spent the day celebrating his life and helping students understand their grief. Christian Alfonso, Spencer’s best friend, says, “My best friend, Spencer Henry, taught me something very funny. It’s called the Hillbilly Shuffle.”

Alfonso returned to school Monday and shared memories of his best friend, 4th grader, Spencer Henry, the little boy who was killed in an accident on Highway 49 Friday night. Michelle Allen, Spencer’s teacher for 4th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, says, "He was one of the funniest people that I knew and he always brought that laughter into the classroom unexpectedly."

The tragedy hit Spencer’s friends and classmates hard, and it was difficult for school leaders and teachers too. Wendy Green, National Board Certified school counselor, says, "Some children will just come out and cry and ask why and not understand why, while some others may experience regression of behaviors."

After recovering from this weekend’s tragedy, school officials now move on to their most important job yet, helping the students deal with their grief, some of whom may be experiencing the death of a close friend or family member for the first time. Joey Lee, Assistant Principal of Ocean Springs Upper Elementary, says, "When situations like this happen, that the school is going to step up and do anything they can to address not only their academic needs, but their emotional needs."

Allen used history, Spencer’s favorite subject, to help his classmates relate and cope. She says, "Today, we read his birthday and his death day from the American Patriot Almanac in his honor, and I know there were some very interesting facts that he would love."

Spencer’s best friend showed off one of Spencer’s last assignments, sure evidence that while Spencer may be gone, his light shines on. Allen closes, "He left his mark on history. He was a historian, and he left his mark on history. He touched everyone that knew him."

The Henry family requests that anyone who is praying for them to please also pray for the driver of the car who struck Spencer.