Sam Pileggi

Ok, so these past few weeks haven't been great. I've started physical therapy for my many knee problems and i'm competing tomorrow.
Two weeks ago i was in miami i realized that it was Sam's 19th birthday. i dont really want to talk about it. but i definitely lost sleep over it. A hero by dictionary definition is someone who commits a great act through courage and selflessness. On November 30th, 2004, Sam and her best friend were walking their dogs when a kid drove by. He was under the influence and he hit the girls. Rumor has it that Sam instinctively pushed her friend out of the way, thereby sealing her fate. And i can remember is being at the funeral and seeing T.J. in a dress shirt and khaki pants and thinking this is it. Over 1,000 people showed up for Sam's viewing. I personally knew Sam from when I was a lot younger. We were family friends. She used to watch out for me at KinderCare. I will never forget the impact of her death on my school. We have a very big district, but everyone seemed to know Sam somehow, whether it be through study hall or babysitting. People knew. I definitely miss Sam. I feel like theres a piece of me missing, and my heart goes out to T.J. and Mr. and Mrs. Pileggi.

Sealed and Signed,
Gracie Deiss