GREENFORD 2 accident victims eulogized

The teen-agers' deaths have united a school and community, the pastor said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
GREENFORD -- "At South Range, we expect a lot," said teacher Laura Elder. "We expect to be the best on the athletic field and in the classroom. We do not expect to bury our children."
Elder spoke at Wednesday's funeral here for Rebecca Foerster, a sophomore, and Mandy Mihalik, a freshman. Mandy and Becky, both 15, died after an automobile accident early Saturday.
The expansive Greenford Christian Church here overflowed as a community gathered to say goodbye to two friends.
South Range school officials canceled classes Wednesday so students and staff could attend the service.
"There are thousands of 'whys' being asked right now," said the Rev. Jeff Hugus, senior pastor of Greenford Christian Church. "This community has come together in a way I haven't seen in my 26 years of ministry."
He said in counseling students at South Range High School on Monday, he saw students come together -- and in the hallways, "I saw you break down walls that even you didn't know were there."
Impact on others: "Mandy and Becky were vital, intelligent, important and loved people," said James Hall, district superintendent. "They were important to God, their parents and friends. Today we celebrate their lives, their laughter, their goodness."
He said the two girls "had a big, positive impact in their years here, and that is worthy of celebration all the rest of our lives."
As Elder and others shared memories of the girls, laughter mixed with the weeping that was nearly continuous throughout the service.
Friends and family members shared memories and read some of the many messages written about the girls. They said both girls loved life and lived it exuberantly -- sharing typical teen-age cookouts, sleepovers and makeup sessions with numerous friends -- but both possessed a wisdom beyond their years.
"Mandy," one student said, "you lived life in a way that made everyone fall in love with you."
Friends remembered Mandy as a person who loved the underdog and who always had a smile for everyone. They said she would spend hours on the phone counseling friends and nearly as many hours helping friends pluck their eyebrows.
Friends said Becky loved art, poetry, softball and helping friends style their hair.
"She helped me see the best in things," one friend wrote.
Legacy: The Rev. Mr. Hugus said friends and family left behind have the responsibility to carry on the students' legacies of making people smile and bringing out the best in others. He said although their deaths have brought much sadness and weeping, laughter is also part of the healing process.
"There are two things that no one can take away from you," he said. "Your memories and your faith. Mandy and Becky let their light shine, and now it is your responsibility to carry that light."
Elder said Mandy and Becky loved to find reasons to bring friends together and encouraged students to continue organizing a themed sleepover the girls were planning.
She spoke of how both Mandy and Becky loved to experiment with makeup and hairstyles, often doing makeup over and over again until it was just right.
Elder said the girls shared a bond in an unwritten rule: "Do NOT touch my hair!"
tullis@vindy.com