Local school honors life and legacy of late student
Blaze’s Bookshelf unveiled in Black Mountain Elementary dedication ceremony
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 5, 2023
Blaze’s Bookshelf, dedicated, May 4, in the Black Mountain Elementary School Media Center, honors the life and legacy of Blaze Crowder, a former student who passed away from brain cancer in 2021. Photo by Fred McCormick
Music from the iconic movie franchise Star Wars floated gently throughout the media center in Black Mountain Elementary School, May 4, as people of all ages mingled around tables with snack mix and “Yoda Soda.”
Those thoughtful accouterments created an ideal setting to honor the memory of former student, Anakin Blaze Crowder, who passed away in 2021, after battling a rare brain cancer.
The ceremony, which was attended by the former BME student’s family, friends, classmates and teachers, culminated with the dedication of Blaze’s Bookshelf, a section of the media center that now includes many of his favorite things.
Preserving Crowder’s legacy was identified as a priority for the Black Mountain Schools PTO and BME last summer, according to Principal Michael Benigno, who welcomed attendees to the event.
“This really started a couple of years ago but it was delayed by COVID, as so many things were,” he said. “At that time, we had a wish list going around, and one of the first things the PTO mentioned was creating a memorial for Blaze.”
Benigno, who is in his first year as the principal of the elementary school, sought to learn more about Crowder.
“I found out what a wonderful young man he was, because people said great things about him,” he said. “So many people here had incredible love and admiration for Blaze, and they wanted to see something created to honor him in a school that meant a lot to him.”
The PTO organized a community outreach campaign for the project, collecting 140 items that represent Crowder’s interest. Star Wars, the franchise from which his first name originated, was a popular choice, while children's book series Captain Underpants, Goosebumps and Dog Man were also included.
Books featured on the shelf are available to students, and each contains a sticker identifying it as an item from Blaze’s Bookshelf.
“Hopefully, any kid who picks them up will think of him,” said PTO President Katie Duvall. “The support we received from the community for this special project was absolutely amazing.”
Four of Crowder’s five siblings and his mother, Jessica West, cut a ribbon to officially open Blaze’s Bookshelf. It was a “bittersweet” moment for the family.
Family members of Blaze Crowder gather near Blaze’s Bookshelf in the Black Mountain Elementary School Media Center. Photo by Fred McCormick
“It’s always going to be there, and every child that comes to this library will know his name. That’s more than I could ever even ask for,” West said. “I’m beyond grateful, but it still hurts sometimes.”
An area that allows students to enjoy items her son would have loved is a fitting tribute, she added.
“He was such a selfless child, and always put everyone else first,” West said. “Even when he was sick and bed-ridden he tried to stay positive.”
The memorial is important to his former fifth-grade teachers, Ruth Shivers and Caroline Clark.
“We wanted to do something, because even though his peers have moved on, we thought he should have a legacy at this school,” Shivers said. “I taught Blaze reading, and I know he loved Star Wars.”
Those who knew him in school will remember a quiet, respectful student who would speak about things he knew well.
“He liked nature, and he would talk about the fantasy genre,” Shivers said. “He was very friendly, and that’s something I’ll always remember about him.”
Black Mountain Elementary School Principal Michael Benigno and PTO President Katie Duvall host a May 4 dedication ceremony for Blaze’s Bookshelf, a memorial to a former student. Photo by Fred McCormick
Benigno, a fellow Star Wars fan who dressed as the character Han Solo for the ceremony, called the bookshelf project a labor of love.
“We engaged our inner Yoda, and there was no try, there was do or do not,” he said. “There were so many people who came together when they heard about this. I’m just proud to be here with all of you, so we can celebrate this young man’s life and legacy.”