Photo Gallery
The Campus Mourns the Loss of John Erkman
During the week following the sudden death of John Erkman, Dean of Students
and Assistant Head of School, the Priory community found a variety of
ways to honor him and express grief. A memorial service was held in the
chapel immediately upon receiving the news, and two more services in the
week following Easter vacation. A Mass of the Resurrection was held for
students and staff, and an evening memorial service was held for parents
and Mr. Erkman's family. Teachers, students and parents contributed to
this celebration of his life.
Students spontaneously went to Mr. Erkman's office with flowers, candles
and many notes. Someone put a yellow post-it note on the door and a forest
of them followed. Students folded 1,000 paper cranes which now hang in
John's house to remind his family of Mr. Erkman's "Priory family."
Students held several small fund-raisers for a memorial scholarship established
in his name.
While school is resuming its normal pace and activities leading up to
graduation, it is with awareness that grieving is still expected and appropriate.
Teachers are keeping a watchful eye for students who may need help. One
student said, paradoxically, "Mr. Erkman, we need you here to get
us through this."
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