Thursday, March 21, a tree was planted between the Ag building and the gym. It was surrounded by a beautiful wooden base that had a plaque on it that read “Chase Underhill." Many friends and family members gathered around this tree to remember Underhill’s life.
The ceremony started with David Latta speaking about about how Underhill was a loving person and always tried to help with his class when he needed it. Then Edward Marsh spoke about the effect that this has had on our whole Panther family. It was a very emotional time.
After Marsh’s speech, the staff invited members of the family to come up and speak and Underhill’s brother, Chad, was the first one to speak. Underhill’s father, Kevin, spoke next and he and his son’s messages were the same: to take life and treat it with respect. After this, they had all of the members of the family and Underhill’s friends come and spread mulch over the base of the tree.
Underhill’s mom then talked about the value of life and how much Underhill is going to be missed. She thanked the community for being so close and helping her family in this time of need and she recalled that camouflage was her son's favorite color and seven was his favorite number. They had green, light green, and brown balloons, seven of each color, and one pink balloon for Kacie that they released. Chase’s mother said, “Hopefully one [balloon] would find him.”
Chase Underhill and Kacie Chamberlain were in a fatal car accident on December 29, 2012. Ever since the accident, the OHS family has been mourning its loss.
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