Snow fell softly, illuminated only by a projector screen. Photo after photo played on it while hundreds of people stood in silence. There are no words for the pain an entire community goes through upon the death of a young person.
Mark Mayfield was only 17 on the day of his passing. A candlelight vigil was held on the baseball field of New Prairie High School to mourn his passing and allow the hundreds of people who cared for him to grieve.
“You didn’t really have to be close to Mark to know he was a great guy,” said Hailey Orosz, a senior at New Prairie. She knew him through his girlfriend, who she played softball with.
A few students remembered Mark all the way back to elementary school.
“We went to Holy Family, an elementary school, together, you could count on Mark to have a smile and make your day. We moved here, and when he got here, we were really excited. We’ve been really good friends since, and he’ll really be missed in class,” said Michael Bertolan, a senior.
Pastor Seth Merrill spoke at the vigil and had an important message.
“Each and every day, from the stories you all shared with me, he was a very, very kind person. We have an opportunity to make somebody’s life better. This sorrowful experience can be a catalyst for true unity and kindness in the New Prairie family that can be taken everywhere you go, he said. “Let’s follow the example of someone who truly treated everyone with kindness.”
Mark’s mother, Diane, spoke to the crowd through tears.
“He was a wonderful boy, you were all wonderful to him. Thank you to the people that helped him. We loved him so much. There’s just a big hole that he left and I hope he..walks with the Lord. Be kind to each other, like he was.”
Friends, and family filled the infield of the New Praire High School. An entire community of people from different sports teams and classes came together to support each other through such a painful time.
“I think the biggest thing is that in sadness, we have a community. I hope the kids remember the kind of person he was, and that’s how they can carry him on,” said Principal Jen Sass.
Mark was the "biggest Cubs fan ever" according to multiple people at the Vigil. "Go Cubs Go!" was played in memory of Mark.
Skittles were purchased by the family to be handed out at the vigil, as they were his favorite candy.
The sense of community was overwhelming. Mark Mayfield helped create that.