The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS, staff and administrators at the Government High School said yesterday they have not been able to “fully construct the reason or come to terms with” the tragic death of Mizilana Beauchamp, a pupil all described as pleasant.

They dedicated parts of the school’s annual Commonwealth Day ceremony to pay respects to the life of the 10th grader who died on Friday after being “caught in the crossfire of young men throwing rocks” while on a bus on her way to school.

When The Tribune arrived on campus yesterday, Mizilana’s classmates could be seen sobbing, some distraught, others inconsolable.

“It’s sad that she (died over) something that wasn’t her fault,” said Aaliyah Petite, a classmate.

Another, Florence Jonassaint, said in the short time she knew Mizilana since last September they had bonded. When asked what was the most cherished memory she had of Mizilana, she recalled her smile.

Eloise Whyms, Principal at GHS, described Mizilana as focused, a student she said was always pushing for better within herself and her peers.

Mrs Whyms, acknowledging that the youngster had only been a student at GHS for roughly six months, said she made an impact from the outset.

Noting Mizilana’s honour-roll status, Mrs Whyms said she, like many others, was still grappling with the loss “of such a pleasant life lost far too soon”.

She added that the tragedy, in conjunction with the death of another high school student on Friday, shows the need for a greater approach to the issues that young people now face.

“Our youth, one by one, seem to be encountering problems with violence and so we can only continue to share and emphasise the importance of resolving conflicts and that our students take a different approach (to) how they are resolving their conflicts,” she said.

Her claims were echoed by the school’s Senior Master, Fritz Grant, who said it was now incumbent upon national officials to address not just the issues of crime amongst youth, but the social ills that spur them on.

According to Mr Grant, while the death of Mizilana has traumatised many of her peers, the circumstances that led to her death highlight “a serious reality” that many of them face.

“It was a normal day, a simple bus ride; she had no clue what was ahead of her. When you look at what has happened in this matter, it’s all about community and parental guidance. What occurred here had nothing to do with a schooling,” he said.

“This was senseless, an act carried out by persons caught up in the moment and unable to think their way out of a bad situation. As the process played out, there was no thought to consider what could come of their actions. No one was around to help temper the situation before it got to where it ended up.

“Now we are left to mourn the life of a brilliant child; they are left to explain this tragedy.”

Described as quiet but friendly, reserved but approachable, peaceful and helpful, Mizilana was said to be a major part of the school’s undefeated girls soccer team.

GHS has scheduled a memorial service for Thursday, March 24, to allow students and staff the opportunity to honour the life and memory of the 16 year old.

Before attending Government High School, Mizilana was enrolled at S C McPherson Junior High.

Police charged three young men with her murder yesterday.