In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM

Summer Medford (July 5, 2005-June 17, 2020)

Summer as Hamlet, with Ethan Valner

By Joanie Martin Special Projects, Former Elementary School Director

In June, we lost one of our brightest lights, Summer Medford, after her long and very brave battle with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. A rising 10th grader, Crossroads lifer and devoted big sister to rising fifth grader Wynter, Summer was strong, determined, optimistic and ambitious. She adored school, especially art and English classes, and was a straight-A student.

Summer had no desire for pity, nor did she ever let her illness—or anything else—stop her once she set her mind to something. Just days before her passing, she made a video proclaiming that she was working out in order to strengthen her lungs and get off oxygen. Despite frequent hospitalizations and doctor’s appointments, Summer completed her schoolwork thoroughly and punctually, even if it meant staying up late at

night in a hospital room. When she was cast as Hamlet in fifth grade and had to miss many rehearsals, she still learned her lines (and those of most of her classmates) and knocked the performance out of the park. Summer’s approach to challenges? “I got this!” And she did.

With a smile that would light up a room, Summer was extremely caring and selfless. To a person, her friends attest to her genuine care for each of them, always putting their needs ahead of her own and making them feel accepted, important and safe. Izzy Millman notes that Summer was “a confident goofball, unapologetically herself, no matter who she was with or where she was. She was always cracking jokes and making the best of every situation.” Arden Seretean says, “Summer made me laugh the hardest, cry the least and smile the most.”

From left, Valentina De Greiff, Ava McGrail, Meazi Light-Orr, Summer and NAALA Ephriam

Summer was passionate about life. When her health permitted, she invested herself fully in hobbies including dance, tennis, golf and swimming. She delighted and entertained her family and friends with endless TikTok videos. A talented writer, Summer penned a series of “Quarantine Letters” for her ninth grade English class, which reflected her keen wit and a capacity for deep reflection beyond her 14 years.

Summer’s friends Sarah Connelly and Farol Seretean firmly believe that she was put on Earth for a purpose: to show us all true friendship, undaunted determination, unwavering positivity, profound thoughtfulness and deep caring. Summer has left a legacy of joy and love that will live on in everyone who was lucky enough to have known and loved her.

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