To some, she was a passerby in the hallway; someone they saw, but never knew. But those that did know her, know how bright of a beam she could be. And she had no hesitations of befriending everyone around her.

“We had English together,” says one former MCHS student. “On the first day of school, she took my calendar and went to her birthday, and wrote ‘Farah’s Birthday’ with lots of balloons around it, and she said, ‘Now you’ll never forget to tell me happy birthday’.”

A year ago, on March 1st, Farah passed away in an early-morning car crash. After the ACT Test, Mr. Ceglinski announced the tragedy over the loudspeaker. Many of us in her class, (junior year) had hardly any time to process the ACT before we were blindsided. Together, we mourned- even those who didn’t know her felt the impact.

In addition to being a student here, Farah was also a regular attendant at Bellview Baptist in Lone Oak. In her one year of membership at Bellview, she had a profound impact on the people. Elizabeth Day, a former member of Bellview Baptist speaks about what she misses most about Farah. “I’ve really missed her positivity and her determination to make everyone around her happy.” One thing you couldn’t miss when Farah walked into the room was her vibrant smile. It lit up her face and made everyone around her feel comfortable and happier. She naturally gravitated to the outcasts. Those who some saw as a target, she saw as a friend. She made all of the visitors feel at home and less nervous in the new setting.

Farah was passionate about so many things. But one of her biggest passions was music. Farah was in the band here at MCHS, and she played the saxophone. “She definitely raised the bar for dedication. She was always so upbeat and ready to go when others were sluggish or annoyed.” Connor Grimm, a senior in the MCHS band commented. “We now have a Farah Award, which gets awarded to the most dedicated and positive person [in the band].”

Whatever the case, friend or stranger, Farah still continues to shine, even in her absence. She was, after all, our torch; and rest assured, she’s still on fire.