Yesterday WMS was devastated to learn of the loss of one of our very own.Seventh grader Samya Beach left this world much too soon on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, but her memory will endure in the hearts and minds of her Warrior family.Ms. Lisa Johnson describes her as a beautiful child, inside and out. She says, “The sound of her giggly laughter resonates with me as I sit here in the class where she should be.” With a hardworking, kind spirit, Samya greeted Ms. Johnson daily with a cheery “Good morning, Ms. Johnson!” Mrs. Sandy Thorson recalls similar aspects of Samya’s warm, bubbly personality, saying she will miss “her sweet smile and warm hugs that she was so generous with.” She says, “Her absence leaves a hole that will never be filled.”Coach Alison Shoaf describes Samya as “an absolute joy to have in PE, always laughing and having fun with her friends.” She also stood out because of the polite respectfulness she consistently demonstrated. Likewise, Mrs. Makala Ellenburg says, “Samya was so kind, sweet, and generous to everyone she came in contact with.” Mrs. Ellenburg raved about the progress Samya made in math this year, and she couldn’t wait to watch her excel in eighth grade.” She said, “There aren’t words to adequately describe the feeling of losing a student.”Mrs. Katie Williams shared an “All About Me Survey” Samya completed at the beginning of the year. She stated that after graduation, she wanted to “work at a daycare because I love kids.” She also expressed her love for singing and fear of bugs, especially spiders and roaches. In January, Mrs. Williams asked students to reflect on 2022 and set goals for 2023. The reflection sheet asked, “Despite the challenges, what is something you enjoyed in 2022?” Samya responded, “My friends that were there for me throughout 2022.” Undoubtedly, Samya’s loss leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of those special friends.Earlier in the year, Mrs. Chastity McLaney tasked students with writing letters of encouragement to themselves that she could give back to them on tough days. In her note, Samya reminded herself that she could tackle all things and that she wouldn’t let others hurt her. With focus, she could “just breathe” through life’s trials. Giving herself a pep talk, she reminded herself that she was beautiful and amazing, so “show them that.” She also wrote Mrs. McLaney a note, reminding her, “Be sure to look in the mirror everyday and say I can do this. I am worth it. I am a kind person.” She often talked about her love of singing, and Mrs. McLaney believes her beautiful voice endures.Samya’s thirteen years were much too short, but she left an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of all who knew her. Our tribe will remember her vivaciousness and kindness as we carry her memory forward.A time of visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, May 26, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Michael Beach officiating.We are one tribe, on one mission, rising to remember Samya Beach, forever one of our dear Warriors.#1tribe1mission