Liberty High Bison family pays tribute to one of their own

Liberty High cheerleaders rooted for the Bison Wednesday in memory of Clarissa Lewis (inset photo).

By Doug Spoon, Editor

In the wake of a tragic loss of one of their own, life goes on for the Liberty High School Bison family. As difficult as it was, a basketball game was played on Wednesday, the cheerleaders cheered louder than before, and family and friends gathered to pay tribute to 16-year-old Clarissa Lewis.

At the first sports event held at the school since Clarissa died in a solo vehicle collision on Sunday night, students and adults wore pink – Clarissa’s favorite color. A table was set up to accept gifts and display a huge card with photos and messages of love. And before the start of the JV girls basketball game, a moment of silence was observed.

“On Sunday, the Bison family suffered a great loss,” athletic director Scott Moore told the crowd. “A shining member of the Liberty family, Clarissa Lewis, passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to the four others who were hurt and are recovering from their injuries. We may have lost a daughter, sister, friend, but we’ve gained an angel who is smiling down on us right now.”

The Bison cheerleaders sat in their usual place, front and center, with an open seat reserved in memory of their friend. Clarissa’s parents and other family members joined them in rooting for the Bison in the JV and varsity basketball games. It was a touching tribute to a young lady who will be missed by so many.

Standing in front of a memorial set up at the crash site, Clarissa’s father spoke on Tuesday about his beloved daughter.

“Clarissa was open-minded, loving, a people person who loved kids,” said Clarence Lewis. “She loved making people happy. My daughter had a very big heart. She would go out of her way to make everybody happy. She was God filled.

“As a teenager, I’ve seen transformation for the good. That’s why it’s kind of hard to wrap my head around just what happened. But I’m at peace knowing she’s at peace. My heart is flooded with all the love that’s been given from here to Facebook to Instagram, everywhere. That just shows God’s work.”