HiLIFE
September 2010- Issue 1 2305 East Main, League City, TX 77573
In this issue: Creek loses teacher Anya Herrera Shannon O’Neil
Creek football off to great start p. 15
New iPod models released p. 13
Homecoming mum history p. 7
Healthy food law p. 4
On August 19, 2010, a teacher from the Clear Creek family passed away after a long battle with cancer. Anya Herrera was an English teacher at Clear Creek High School. Herrera was able to relate to her students in a unique and special way. Herrera, a Creek graduate herself was not always the good girl in high school. She made her mistakes and hung out with the wrong people. After moving to Florida, Herrera turned her life around and became an influential teacher to many students. Herrera had the unique ability to relate to those students who most teachers just couldn’t understand. She was young and hip and brought all that to her classroom. Many students loved her class just because she was there. When Herrera was diagnosed with cancer, the faculty and students began working together to raise funds for Herrera and her family. Herrera was the mom of three boys, who were her joy in life. Herrera’s battle with cancer began in September of 2009. When she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 Cancer, cancer that affects the brain, Herrera never gave up and throughout her tough and long battle she remained herself and kept her spirits up. Herrera passed away on August 19, 2010 at the young age of 27. Her memorial service was held at Carnes Funeral Home on August 22. Students of Herrera, as well as faculty from Clear Creek, attended the memorial service. The father of two of the boys is the guardian for all Herrera’s three sons, Jaysen, Jaylen, and Jayden. Around fifty attended the funeral to honor their teacher. Students cannot say enough good things about Herrera, from her style to her personality. “We’ve never had someone like her. She was more than a teacher. She was special. We could tell her anything and relate to her,” senior Laura Lyon said. Losing a member of the faculty that was so influential on students has had a big impact on the school. Head principal, Scott Bockart took a moment on the first day of school in honor of Herrera. Pennie Ya n c e y
remembers Herrera from a young age. “My favorite memory of Anya was when I was team mom for Boogie Bears, [League City Little League Team]. She was the youngest. She would always pick the wildflowers on the softball field. We all took care of her. She was like our mascot,” said Yancey. Yancey will miss Herrera’s integrity. At the end of the 2009/2010 school year there was a short assembly dedicated to Herrera. Students performed a rap and a dance dedicated especially to her. Herrera was in attendance and she spoke to the whole student body and left them with a message. “I don’t know what you believe in, but my God is bigger than cancer.” Herrrera always focused on the positive things in life. She never dwelled on the negative. In a letter to the HiLife Staff,, Herrera said, “ I hope you find a reason to smile today. Then go further to make someone else smile.” Herrera was an inspiration to many students and influenced students in many positive ways. “Ms. Herrera [influenced me the most during high school] I had her in 10th grade but she has continued to make me smile through today,” said former Creek student Andrew Smith. Herrera was known for her faith and trust in God. She was a member at Christian Tabernacle Church in Houston. Instead of a message of sadness, Herrera’s memorial service focused on her faith and how she wished to share it. “The funeral was not focused on death. It showed the legacy she left and preached to others how they could live like she did,” said senior Windy Wike. Herrera was known for being supportive of students and knowing when to lend a helping hand and listening ear. Even though her life was not always easy she made an effort to be there for her students. “She was so strong. She lived for her church and kids,” said Laura Lyon. The students interviewed talked about the memories they had with Herrera, a favorite being
when she wrote all her students a Christmas card. They were so taken back that a teacher cares so much for her students to take the time to hand write something for each of them. Herrera had a way of making students feel special and comfortable around her. “She was so real,” said senior Chantay Lowe. Though Herrera has passed, she will always remain a member of the Clear Creek High School faculty. She will always have a place in the heart of teachers and students. Her family will continue to be in the thoughts and actions of the school and donations are being accepted on behalf of her sons. “She was my hero. She still is,”Wike said. Herrera’s father is collecting all donations for Herrera’s sons. Students over Creek have also all pulled together to donate funds to the Herrera family. The girls’ volleyball team collected donations during the first week of school to benefit the family. They also donated concession profits in the Friendswood game to Herrera’s family. Not only is the volleyball team commemorating Herrera’s death, but also the Creek Cavaliers dedicated their first performance to Herrera.
How to further donate (to benefit the Herrera children send all donations to the address below)
Joaquin Herrera Sr. 5903 High Meadow St. League City, TX, 77573