by Mary Egan and Erin Molinaro
Jessie Peterson was more than just a friend, artist and athlete at Bromfield. She had a gift to light up a room just by being in it. After she died tragically last spring, her joyful smile and presence were greatly missed at Bromfield. Classmate Brenton Stoddart says, “Jessie was always smiling, always laughing, and always making everyone’s day better.” Her class at Bromfield hopes to keep Jessie’s spirit alive by doing just that on May 22 at 9 a.m., when the Class of 2012 hosts the first Have a Jessie Day 5K run/walk.
Class members say the goal of the race is to commemorate and remember their classmate in a positive and enjoyable way that brings the community together. Their vision is to make the race truly the epitome of a “Jessie Day,” celebrating and embracing the love the class has for her and each other. Jessie’s love for the outdoors and the Bromfield School are reflected in the race course, which starts and finishes at the school, and passes by the library, where she could often be found.
Not only does the race commemorate Jessie, but it also continues to bring her peers and community members together as she was so easily able to do. Ali Ware, a close friend says, “The race is a type of closure that will help people move on. We are still remembering her in a fun way and in a way that everyone can participate in.”
Jessie’s classmates foresee the race continuing for many years beyond their graduation. As Stephanie Shea says enthusiastically, “I think it’d be really cool if our entire class could return from college every spring for the race to continue to keep Jessie’s legacy alive.”
Anna Hadorn adds, “I mean, how awesome would it be if we still gathered to run the race 20 years from now?”
This sense of camaraderie is felt among the entire sophomore class as they prepare for the upcoming race.
Although the race will be capped at 300 runners, there are still a few spots available. A course map and registration forms can be found along with other information at www.haveajessieday.com. The registration fee is $15 and all proceeds go to the Jessie Peterson Scholarship Fund started by her parents.
Caroline Mazzola reflects, “This is how Jessie would want to be remembered.”
Molly Papazian adds, “Last time the town gathered to honor Jessie it was sad, but this time, we’re going to celebrate!”
Mary and Erin are president and vice president, respectively, of the Bromfield sophomore class.