You could have heard a pin drop. As the Larned Middle School students and staff assembled on the north playground area on Tuesday afternoon, they sat quietly on the basketball court. Shane Sundahl, Larned Middle School Principal, addressed the gathering, asking for a moment of silence to honor the memory and life of Carver Smith.

The purpose was to dedicate a tree and bench in Carver Smith’s memory. Carver was a LMS student who was killed in a homicide tragedy in January of 2022.

The tree was planted by Northview Nursery on Tuesday morning just outside of the outdoor basketball court, the bench placed in front of it. The bench was assembled by Adam Hewson’s construction class.

Lucia Hagerman, LMS teacher, then spoke to the students about being kind, explaining that one of the reasons that she and her family moved to Larned was because of the kindness and welcoming hearts of the kids at the Larned swimming pool, where they first met Carver. 

Then she read this poem to the students: quoting it only in part.

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive Them Anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish or ulterior motives

Be Kind Anyway 

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends, and some genuine enemies.                             

Succeed Anyway

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.

Be Honest and Sincere Anyway

 What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

Create Anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

Be Happy Anyway

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give Your Best Anyway

In the final analysis, it is between you and God

It Was Never Between You and Them Anyway

Hagerman wishes to thank the Construction class, all those who donated towards the purchase of both the tree and the bench, and a special thank you to Cindy, Jack, and family for purchasing the memorial bench. Any who wish to donate towards the cost make checks payable to LMS STUCO memo Carver Smith. “Thank you so much for all the support and love throughout this school year,” Hagerman said. “It takes a village of incredible people to work with and love our kids and I am so thankful to know and work with all of you.”