The words of a Whitehall-Yearling High School junior whose final wish was to experience commencement will survive him.
Kyler Kessler, 17, was "set free," as his family said in his obituary, June 5 after a nearly 13-year battle with neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer in the nerve tissue.
A memorial service was held June 11 at the Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Road.
Less than three weeks earlier, on May 23, Kessler's family, along with much of the class of 2019, celebrated Kessler's early commencement in the auditorium of the high school.
Addressing the crowd, Kessler said, "Don't waste too much time being mad at those you love. Keep them in mind and cherish them, for they may not be around long. I love all of you."
Pamela Glass, Kessler's teacher, arranged the commencement after Kessler told her it was his "last wish" to graduate.
"When Kyler told me it was his last wish (and) only dream to graduate, I had to make that happen," Glass said.
Kessler received a certificate of attendance along with his tassel and mortarboard at the commencement.
He is survived by his parents, John and Traci Kessler; brother, Brandon (Sarah) Malloy; grandparents, Butch and Linda Salyers; grandmother, Marsha Kessler; and nephews Caleb and Cerulean Malloy.
kcorvo@thisweeknews.com
@ThisWeekCorvo