Award celebrates late teenager’s legacy
A new award has been set up by a school to honour one of its students, whose life was cut short in October.
Mount Saint Agnes Academy established the Ethan Arruda Award to celebrate the legacy of the 17-year-old, who was fatally stabbed on Devonshire Bay Road.
Anna Faria-Machado, the school’s principal, said the death had been “a very hard loss for our school community, so we wanted to do something to remember the positive attributes he always brought to the school”.
“Ethan was a friend to all and was one of those kids who had a calming presence and always looked to brighten people’s days in little ways, and he always looked for ways to give of himself.”
A school spokeswoman said after the killing: “Our counsellor has been joined at MSA by counsellors from other schools to support students and staff who are completely shaken by this senseless act.”
A police spokesman said yesterday that two suspects who were arrested in connection with the killing of teenager Ethan Arruda were aged 17 and 18 and have been released on police bail without charge.
An investigation continues and anyone with information, or with photos and videos of the party taking place when Mr Arruda was killed, should contact Detective Inspector Clifford Roberts at croberts2@bps.bm or 717-0590.
Witnesses can also contact the community reporting portal at portal.police.bm, the confidential Crime Stoppers number at 800-8477 or speak to a police officer they know.
Ms Faria-Machado, who also remembered Mr Arruda’s warm smile and love of stories, said his senior sweatshirt was hung in the hall and that his class paid tribute to him during the school’s Christmas concert this week.
She explained: “A candle was lit to symbolise his presence with the class and the tableau this year has a message of peace for our island community especially.
“These students, especially his classmates, are carrying him with them all day long, are feeling that gaping hole and are supporting one another as best they can during this time.”
The school also mentioned Mr Arruda in its new magazine, The Saint, and will further honour him in the publication’s spring edition.
Donations for the award opened on Tuesday and the school hoped to raise enough to present it to two students every year.
Ms Faria-Machado added: “We hope to award it to students who exhibit some of Ethan’s characteristics of kindness, compassionate ways and giving of themselves.
“We’re really engaging with his family as well to make sure that the award reflects the criteria that not only we saw at MSA, but also what they saw in him.”
• For more information, call 292-4134 ext 1900/1943 or e-mail advancement@msa.bm
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