SCHOOL RALLIES AROUND FAMILY OF DEAD TEEN.Byline: RICK COCA Staff Writer SHERMAN OAKS -- Riverside Drive A number of cities around the world have a Riverside Drive. In the United States:
The teenager died when a vehicle she was riding in crashed Sunday after blowing a tire near Fresno. Now, students and campus supporters are rallying around 8-year-old Modesto and his family. ``Our community is really responsive and everybody is pulling together,'' Principal Michelle Diamond said. The school's Parent Teacher Association is raising money to help the family pay for funeral costs and to assist them in purchasing an airline ticket for an older sibling sibling /sib·ling/ (sib´ling) any of two or more offspring of the same parents; a brother or sister. sib·ling n. traveling from Mexico in time for the services, which begin Sunday. The PTA PTA or parent-teacher association: see parent education. is also raising money to buy Christmas gifts for Modesto, the youngest of five children. Diana was the second youngest and often served as interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents, as well as assisting in programs in which her younger brother Wiki is aware of the following uses of "'Younger Brother":
``They were very close,'' said Jane Poole, PTA president. ``She came to school and went to field trips with him. She'd be in the classroom volunteering. She was a big part of his life.'' After an e-mail blast asking for support was sent out following the tragedy, Poole said, the response was quick. To date, the school has raised $1,300. Poole said the Penas remain supportive of Modesto's endeavors, even as they mourn mourn v. mourned, mourn·ing, mourns v.intr. 1. To feel or express grief or sorrow. See Synonyms at grieve. 2. the loss of Diana, including attending the school's recent holiday show. ``They're putting up quite a face,'' she said. ``Behind closed doors, it's a different matter.'' Modesto has been understandably distraught over his sister's death. But at least for a brief moment during the holiday show he displayed a flash of happiness. ``They were dressed in white shirts, black bottoms and red stocking caps,'' Poole said. ``And ... he kind of smiled.'' A trust has been set up through Bank of America
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC TYO: 8648 ) is the largest commercial bank in the United States in terms of deposits, and the largest company of its kind in the world. to support the family. Donations can be sent to The Diana Pena Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 300, 13061 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, 91423. rick.coca(at)dailynews.com (818) 713-3329 |
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