More than 1,000 people came to a vigil outside Seymour High School Wednesday night to remember Nina Poeta, the 17-year-old girl who died Saturday from an inoperable brain tumor.
The Poeta family was on hand during the emotional tribute.
Nina’s favorite songs were played as people carried glow sticks and flash lights to illuminate the dark — a reminder to the crowd, many of whom were young people, that Nina’s spirit will never fade away.
Nina, a scholar athlete and loving daughter, is survived by her parents, John and Dorie, and her sister, Cara.
Please click here to read about Nina’s life, as told by her family.
The photos here were taken by Josalee Thrift, of Josalee Thrift Photography.
Seymour High School Principal James Freund lights a luminaria during a Walk of Light Vigil:
Nina was an all-state cheerleader, so high school cheerleaders were heavily represented Wednesday on the football field:
A glimpse of the walk of light:
The crowd pauses to remember Nina:
Click the gallery for more photos:
