Earlier this school year, the Mount Pisgah Christian School community was affected by the unfortunate passing of three of our own community members: the Choi family, specifically our very own sophomore, Grace Choi. Understandably so, many were shaken by this unexpected news, and it brought so much sadness to all. Nonetheless, the community came together and did a lot to honor Grace and all the happiness she brought us when she was with us. 

It’s important to highlight how incredible our community has been in helping honor Grace and supporting the students who have been impacted by this. This includes the Mount Pisgah Church for inviting everyone to a worship service and the Color Guard, the football and cheerleading teams, the volleyball team and cross country team for showing their support by wearing Grace’s favorite color, light blue, to honor her. 

I myself have been impacted by this, as I was a close friend of Grace’s. I would like to share the memories and reflections of Grace’s friends and how to help those who are mourning. 

Bailey Waller and Faith Jennerich were two of Grace’s recent friends, meeting her at the beginning of freshman year. They shared so many wonderful words about Grace that really show what an amazing person she was. 

 “Grace was the literal best. She was so smart and just always knew what to say to me to make me feel better. For me, the best way to honor her is to remember her in every event that I know she would love. I think of her in class when someone makes a joke she would laugh at, or an event we would have wanted to go to together. She was the best, and I will never forget her,” said Waller.

“Grace was the most humble and kind-hearted person I knew. She always lit up a room when she walked into it and was kind to everyone. One of my favorite memories with her was her birthday party she hosted a few weeks before she passed. It was such a fun time with her and our friends because the whole time we just talked about all the crazy things that had happened that summer. Even though I miss our sweet Gracie so much, I’m extremely grateful for all of the memories we have made together,” added Jennerich.

Although some only met Grace one year ago, she made such a positive impact on so many of us. We wish we could have had more time with her, but we are so thankful for the year we did have with her. So many amazing memories were made, and we will cherish every single one. 

Additionally, Hannah Friedman and Hannah Karadshesh knew Grace for many years and also shared their thoughts and memories.

“My first best memory with her is when we were shopping at the mall, and we were talking about her being bilingual. She talked about how it could be difficult, and we had a heart-to-heart—it felt so genuine. The fun part is that she taught me how to say some words in Korean. My 2nd best memory with her is when we made a personal inside joke that only we ever knew. We continued to laugh at that inside joke for the coming two years. Also, Grace comforted me during a really difficult time, and I comforted her through a hard time she was having. We were each other’s comfort person, and she will always be remembered in my heart,” said Friedman.

“Grace was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known—so sweet, so hilarious, and always full of life. I first met her in 5th grade, five years ago, when I was the new kid. She was a ball of energy, so smart and creative, and she instantly made me feel welcome. You could always count on her for advice or for a laugh when you needed one most. It was last year that we grew especially close. We ended up in the same math class, sitting side by side. Every day, I looked forward to that class because Grace was there. No matter how frustrated or bored I got, she could always make me laugh. She helped me so much with math that without her, I definitely would’ve struggled. We used to laugh together at just how bad I was at it. Growing up with Grace gave me so many fun, unforgettable memories that I couldn’t even choose a favorite. She was truly one of my closest friends, and I’ll always carry her spirit with me,” added Karadshesh.

Grace’s friends and teachers were also affected. Our orchestra teacher, Nicholas Wheeler, taught Grace for many years. Grace was very talented at the violin. Her loss has greatly affected the orchestra family. 

“Grace was an absolute joy to have as a student. Probably the greatest memory I have of Grace actually starts in disappointment. I’ll never forget how sad she was when she got the results of her first time auditioning for All-State Orchestra in 2022, her 7th-grade year. While she watched her friends play together in Athens, it was as if a fierce fire of determination and sheer will ignited in her. She and I developed a plan to increase her musicianship, and she practiced for hours on end. From 7th grade to 8th grade, it was as if she were ten times better, and the orchestra knew it. Grace easily made All-State Orchestra come 8th grade. That’s when I congratulated her by telling her that she had surpassed me on the violin. The dampened smile she normally carries, while holding her violin in her first All-State rehearsal, was a small, rich treasure to behold. She would eventually reach All-State Orchestra again her freshman year, this time reaching first violin and being ranked as one of the top high school violinists in the state. And she was well on her way to a third All-State appearance. Grace was also accepted into the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra and was preparing her audition for the Governor’s Honor Program. She accomplished a very high level of musicianship that many professionals have not achieved. Every day since her death, I can still hear her voice and see her in the orchestra. There is sadness, joy, and peace in that,” explained Wheeler.

Upper School Bible teacher Adam Jones was just beginning to have Grace in his class for a second year, and he shares who Grace was beyond academics in the classroom.

 “I was blessed to have Grace in my Bible class last year and the beginning of this year. Her work was always thorough and excellent, but she was much more than just a good student. Grace was kind-hearted. She had a quiet strength and calming presence about her, and yet she was playful and silly with her friends. Grace knew how to give me the most perfectly-timed sarcastic comment and glare when we would frequently joke around. She always had a funny comment for me when I would say hello to her in the hallway. I was also seriously impressed by her talent and commitment as a musician. She was delightful. I miss her,” said Jones.

Grace was so important to our community and had such a promising future ahead of her. She was an amazing person, and I am sure many, including myself, are glad to have been able to know her, let alone call her our friend. Although it’s devastating and might still be difficult to process, keep in mind that Grace is in a good place and is watching over us. We should take the time to talk to friends or counselors for guidance or simply to express how we are feeling, or to just talk about Grace. Let us all think of her fondly and in a good light, because although she was taken from us too soon. Our time with her was and will continue to be irreplaceable.

Mathew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”