Free as a Butterfly

Tragedy struck on September 30, 2011 when then senior; Cindi Santana was fatally wounded by her ex-boyfriend. “It all happened really quickly, it felt like a second,” said Mrs. Flores, Assistant Principal.

As the last class who was actually present during the incident prepares to graduate, the picture of such a cloudy and sad day still remains embedded in their mind. Senior in the Tech & Media Magnet Jason Fuentes recollects this day as “surreal” as he was present when the incident occurred. Others who were also there such as Angel Martinez, senior from the Visual and Performing Arts small school said, “I thought he was just punching her,” he said he was with his “friends and [were] sitting down in the grass by the area were it occurred.”

 Although some students who were not present felt the gravity of the incident such as Julissa Felix, senior from the Health, Science and Environment Small School said, “Why is lunch ending early? I was mad” and later once the news spread that Santana had died she said, “I was just shocked.” These are just a few of the memories that people have of the day.

There will never be enough words to capture the mood that was present throughout the school; a piece of South East had been torn away and never mended. Though one thing is undeniable; Cindi Santana will always remain in the hearts of the seniors who were beginning to start their journey through high school when the this tragedy struck.

One of the most beautiful creatures starts as a cocoon, blossoms into a butterfly, and later flies. Cindi Santana was a cocoon, which transformed into a beautiful butterfly that took her journey up to heaven.

            Daughter of Margarita Meza and sister of Janet Duran Santana, Cindi Santana was a lovely teenager whose lifetime was cut short on earth.  The memories she created and the people she brightened with her lovely smile will forever remain vivid in their minds. One of her friends, Arlene Rivera said, “She was such an outgoing and intelligent girl that had her future planned ahead of her.” She remembers her as a “super sweet” girl who “always seemed to be there for others.”

She loved the simple details of life such as, “spending time with her mother, [hanging] out with her sister and friends, specially going to Zogos Burgers,” said Duran Santana. Additionally, she had a passion for reading and beauty as she loved to watch make up tutorials.

Duran Santana said, “Cindi loved the idea of being able to help others in need!” Furthermore, Santana like others student had high hopes for life after high school. Duran Santana said, “She wanted to become a doctor.” Cindi Santana will always be remembered by her strength and resilience to continue seeking the brighter portion of life, though it was terminated abruptly.

Over three years have passed and yet the school has not recuperated from this atrocity. Ms. Baragan, government and leadership teacher said, “Ever since [that day] the school spirit has gone down.” 

Not only has the school spirit gone down but as Fuentes said, “I am glad that everyone who experienced the incident has left, because they all held painful memories.”

In order to promote a healthier and more stable environment Baragan and the leadership students organized “Keep the Peace Week” where students pledged to non-violence for the rest of the year. Additionally, the Cindi Santana scholarship every year is awarded to students. It is now the time for the school to close this chapter of its story and leave the history of such a day in the past where it belongs, but continue to honor the person who Cindi Santana was, and all that she has come to represent.