As I write this week’s edition of the Coalfield School Story, I do it with a broken heart and watering eyes. Our story continued with many great things at our school this week, but I will share them another day. This week I want our story to be about a precious little girl who joined our Coalfield family a few years ago and blessed us all. This little girl endured more adversity at a young age than most seasoned people will experience their entire lives. She came to us in Kindergarten with a courageous demeanor despite her serious health issues. Her contagious smile and steadfast spirit made you want to be a better person. She brought joy to everyone who met her in the hallway at Coalfield School. During interactions with her, you could sense her enthusiasm for life. She was always ready to give you a high-five and a smile as you passed her in the hallway…that was my last interaction with her this past week. She jumped in the air to high-five me and laughed while doing it. We will miss her smiling face. This sweet, little girl of ours passed away this afternoon from her condition unexpectedly. Words can’t explain how heartbroken our school family is that we lost her today. We will have extra counselors in our school on Monday to help students and staff deal with the loss of our precious first grader, Paizlee Phillips. During a conversation with her mother this evening, I told her that I would like to dedicate this week’s Coalfield Story to Paizlee. Her mother told me that Paizlee would love that. Knowing Paizlee, I think she would as well. In fact, I can see her beautiful smile while I write this. In memory of Paizlee Phillips, please enjoy the video and pictures of our courageous little girl. She will be missed by all of us.
Please pray for Paizlee’s family and our school during this time.