STANDISH, ME - Last night's prayer service and candlelight vigil in honor of Clark Noonan was attended by roughly 300 students, who walked with candles from Healy Chapel and quietly gathered behind the Alfond Center to pay their respects and sign a remembrance book.
All the candles were lit from the Easter candle in the chapel, and when the group arrived at the Alfond Center, Clark's basketball teammates lit the candles that had been placed on the table with his photo and remembrance book. Students continued to gather in silence as each of the many participants came forward to the table with their own candle.
According to Rob Sanicola, who was Noonan's basketball coach at Saint Joseph's, "Clark was such a good-hearted young man who had so much to offer to his peers, his coaches and our community. His honesty, dedication, discipline, enthusiasm and dependability always came through." Sanicola went on to say, "Clark touched so many people, and his impact will always be felt on our campus and our basketball program. It's an honor that I got to be part of his life."
At this time, the college is focused on mutual support, prayer and healing. Counseling services are available on campus to help students deal with the loss. (Call 893-6637 to reach the Counseling Center or e-mail counselors Liz Wiesen or David Lischer at lwiesen@sjcme.edu or dlischer@sjcme.edu.)
The college has canceled classes for Tuesday afternoon, April 17, in order for students to attend the memorial service in Bangor. Athletics games scheduled for that day will be canceled as well. A memorial service for Clark Noonan will be held on campus at a later date.
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| Clark Noonan '14 |
