Beulah High School

To the Class of 2022,

Congratulations! Four years ago, you entered your freshman year unaware of the unprecedented challenges each of you and the rest of the world would face. You faced school closures, numerous quarantines and virtual learning environments. You have had to deal with modified classroom settings, boxed lunches and restricted events. You were asked to wear masks and take the long way to each class. You have witnessed a drive-through graduation and a graduation with limited numbers. Yet, here you stand! Each of you have preserved and you have done it the Beulah way!

As you enter a new and ever changing world, you will be faced with challenges and obstacles that may seem to be a hindrance. When these challenges arise, do what you do best. Rise up and take them head on. Never forget where you came from. Never forsake the ones you love. On behalf of our staff and the Beulah community, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations. Good luck with all future endeavors.

Go Bobcats!

Sincerely, Adam Johnson, Principal

A YEAR TO REMEMBERBeulah High School

Forever In Our Hearts

ABIGAIL FAITH DARNELL DEC. 1, 2003 ~ APRIL 23, 2020

Story By Michelle Key Photos Contributed

Abigail Faith Darnell was supposed to be a part of the graduation celebrations with the Class of 2022. However, tragedy struck the Darnell family two years ago, claiming the lives of Abbey, as she was known to friends, and her father David Darnell.

According to friends and family, Abbey had a beautiful singing voice and thrived on learning new instruments. She had learned to play piano, ukulele, violin and the kalimba.

She loved art and had participated in and won several state awards and was looking to apply to the Columbia University Arts Program prior to her passing.

In addition to being a talented artist, musician and singer, Abbey was also active in her school. She cheered for the Beulah Bobcats for four years and was named cocaptain of the varsity cheer squad.

Abbey’s father, David, was a teacher at Beulah Elementary School and had taught for 17 years.

The Beulah community mourned the extraordinary loss and, because of COVID-19 restrictions at the time, held a public drive-up wake at the school in May 2020. Hundreds of members of the community participated and showed support for the entire Darnell family.

Abbey’s friends have never forgotten her, and have brought their memories of their beloved friend into school events since that fateful day. Using the tag #FORABBEY, the group of lifelong friends have remembered her at many school events during the last two years, including their senior prom held in April.

Abbey never failed to brighten my day. No matter what I was faced with day to day, she would always listen to me ramble on. Abbey and I always had something to talk about from cheer to broadway shows. She was one of my first best friends and one thing I will never forget is her birthday parties, which were always the best. Another thing about Abbey was her unquestionable loyalty. If you were Abbey’s friend, not only did you get the sweet and genuine side of her, but also the funny and outgoing side. We were at cheer tryouts, and I was very nervous, well unintentionally or intentionally Abbey passed gas and it made my heart lighten. No matter how odd that sounds, it’s the small things like that, that made Abbey who she was. She would make you laugh unstoppable if she wanted. Abbey cared. I am so thankful to have ever even had Abbey as a friend. She was a light in my life and anyone else’s who was blessed enough to get to experience her loving spirit.

-~ Abby Higdon

Abbey Darnell became my best friend when we were in the third grade. She was the kindest and most selfless girl I have ever met. She always went out of her way to make me smile, even if it meant tickling me until I couldn’t breathe. She made me laugh like no one else ever has. Her smile was so genuine and her hugs were always bear hugs. There isn’t one memory of us I could pick out, or try and remember my favorite, because every memory of her is my favorite. Abbey was truly my sunshine. Abbey was someone who I adored and loved. She always knew how to light up a room. Not only did she make me laugh, but she was a shoulder to cry on. I’ve known Abbey since we were in kindergarten; we grew up together. She was very spirited in the school and she led people with her strong relationship with God. Abbey and I used to have this tradition where every time she came over, we just had to get McDonald’s and eat in the floor of my pantry with a blanket and she would play Italian music from her phone. There was never a dull moment with her. We decided to tryout together for cheerleading in sixth grade and we did it together ever since. She kept me going and she made me feel strong enough to push through my battles. She made me feel safe and made me feel as if I belonged. She was beautiful and the most understanding person I’d ever met. I miss her and love her very much. Abbey will now and forever be my best friend. ~Kassidy Kirby