IT IS HARD to believe that it has been a year since the tragic car accident that claimed the life of Alicia Betancourt. She was an active member of the Blake community, and we have missed her tremendously this past year.

Alicia was enthusiastic about all her endeavors, whether it was art, dance, writing, or any of the other numerous activities she pursued outside of school. She was an excellent student, and always strove to meet her highest potential. She was admired by many, and should be remembered as a model for all Blake students.

As a result of her death, the entire Blake community has become more aware of the issues facing teen drivers. At the May “Race for a Dream,” hundreds of community members gathered in order to raise money for the Alicia Betancourt Prize for Excellence in the Arts, and to discuss concerns about teen driving. This May, we hope that there will be the same show of support.

The run was primarily aimed towards raising money for the scholarship, and this year the first recipient of the award will be announced. Applications are available for all eligible candidates. We are sure that through this scholarship fund, Alicia’s legacy will live on.

The anniversary of Alicia’s death is a reminder to us all that we are not invincible. It is our hope that as we cherish her memory and go on with our lives, we are also aware of the circumstances surrounding her death. To the entire Blake community: use common sense, think before you act, and most of all, be safe.