By: Hannah Abbate Sterling, KS – Nov. 9, 2017, 5:40 p.m.
Tuesday after lunch, at 12:45 p.m., family, friends, and staff gathered to take part in a special memorial service to honor Xavier Bradford and Esther Jenkerson. These Sterling College students, passed away in a car accident last year on November 7, 2016.
Xavier was a senior on the football team, and Esther was a junior in the Athletic Training program. Esther and Xavier touched many lives during their time here at Sterling.
“It’s okay to continue to be sad,” Christian Dashiell said as he began the service, “Today we come together to remember”.
In memory of them both, two new red maple trees were planted in front of Smisor Stadium, each with a plaque in dedication. After the service, people stayed and comforted one another. Their trees will stand as a reminder of Esther’s and Xavier’s willingness to serve.