School Officials Offer Condolences for Herberg Student's Sudden Passing
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Herberg Middle School student has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Earl Giver Essien, who would have entered eighth grade in the fall, was remembered for her brightness in personality and academics.
Superintendent Joseph Curtis shared reflections from Herberg staff at the beginning of Monday's School Committee meeting. Faculty say Giver was a remarkable seventh-grade student whose "bright light shone brilliantly in every aspect of her life" and a "diligent rule follower who was structured and always on time."
"She was known for her strong and confident presence," Curtis said.
"Giver loved learning and was driven by an insatiable curiosity, always asking great questions and excelling academically. She was a seeker of justice, advocating passionately for herself and everyone around her. Her warm and kind nature made her a beloved figure among peers and teachers and staff alike."
The student cherished her family deeply and had a great love for art and music, he added.
"Giver's happiness was infectious and he had a sweet tooth, especially for candy," Curtis said. "She will be remembered by the entire Pittsfield Public School community as a bright, joyful soul who touched many lives with their kindness and zest for life."
He sent his condolences to Giver's family and friends and offered full support from the Pittsfield Public Schools in any way it can. The Essien family has informed the district that services are expected to take place this week.
According to Great Barrington Police, first responders received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. on July 17 of a teen who was unaccounted for in the pond's beach area.
The youth was found unresponsive in the water before emergency personnel arrived. Several people assisted in removing the victim from the water and CPR was immediately started. The victim was transported to Fairview Hospital, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office is actively investigating the death of the minor.
Councilors have been available for services in the school community. A fundraiser for burial services has raised nearly $20,000 and states that "Earl Giver Essien, mostly known as Giver, age 13, was sadly pronounced dead after her school trip; a tragedy that stunned the whole family."
Curtis arranged for Mayor Peter Marchetti to meet with Giver's family. Marchetti was deeply grateful for this even though it was "probably the toughest thing I've done yet as mayor, sitting in a room with a family to offer my condolences," he said.
He thanked the superintendent for assisting him in "a job that I would prefer to have not done but one that was much needed."
School Committee members also offered their condolences.
"This is a terrible, tragic situation," Chair William Cameron said.
"The death of a child is the most traumatic thing that a parent and family can go through and a child so young and so promising and vivacious is a terrible loss, of course, for the child's family but also for the entire school community and the entire community of Pittsfield."
Committee member Sara Hathaway still vividly remembers the classmates she lost in middle school, "maybe because they were lost so tragically and so young and I know that that's something our students will carry, those who knew Giver."
Committee member William Garrity thanked the school adjustment counselor staff who have helped to support the community as this all unfolds, explaining that they do important work and are very dedicated.
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