From playing with friends in his neighborhood to vacationing with them in Florida, Gunnar Medearis is remembered for his ability to bring out the best in others.
On March 9, sophomore Gunnar Medearis died at the age of 15.
His friends agreed that Medearis had a great heart and goofy personality.
“He was always such a kind person and really had a heart for everyone,” freshman Carson Schaefer, lifelong friend, said.
Medearis’s ability to walk into a room and completely change an environment was one of his strengths.
“[Medearis] was the brightest and happiest person you would ever meet,” freshman Lillian Britz said, friend to Medearis. “He always tried to play tricks on us.”
Some of these tricks were more mischievous than others.
“One time he came up behind me and kicked the bottom of my shoe,” Britz said. “I thought it was very funny, but when he went up to a random girl — she did not think it was.”
Medearis made an impact on many, including teacher Madison Burns.
“He made me laugh every day,” Burns said. “He had a very childlike spirit.  He was curious about a lot of things and asked lots of questions.”
Burns remembers and cherishes the memories she and Medearis made together.
“[Medearis] had a gluten free diet, [so] I brought a gluten free brownie mix and made it with [Medearis]. It was so special to have one-on-one time with him. He was so excited to make a snack he could finally eat,” Burns said.
Schaefer said traveling with Medearis was a special time for both of them.
“My favorite memory with [Medearis] is going to Florida with him and his family,” Schaefer said. “It’s a vacation that I’ll always remember.”
Even in the little moments, Medearis always found himself being positive and building up other people, Burns said.
“He was full of joy and cared deeply for others,” Burns said. “He was quick to give compliments and check in on people.”
Many students will look back and cherish the memories they had with Medearis.
“Gunnar would always try to teach me how to shoot the basketball correctly,” Britz said. “He would also teach me how to shoot half-court shots.”
Medearis’s legacy will live on in the abundance of funny and happy stories and memories with him.
“[Medearis] was an amazing person and he will be missed by many,” Schaefer said.
For Burns, Medearis made her understand that time on Earth is not guaranteed, and that it’s important to live life to the fullest, just like Medearis did.
“It’s made me want to love others deeply and savor the time I have with my friends, family and students,” Burns said. “Although his death was difficult, it gave me the push I needed to keep going and keep caring for my students.”