Remembering Sydney

     This August marked the six month anniversary of the tragic death of Sydney Larson of Thompson, who was just 16 years old when she lost her life in a car accident on February 21. Sydney was in the midst of her junior year at North Iowa High School, and her loss led to an outpouring of support from the community that continues to this day. Her absence continues to be felt keenly by those who knew her and loved her.

     Last Thursday, Aug. 27, would have been Sydney’s 17th birthday, and that date also marked the first home volleyball game of the new season at North Iowa High School. Sydney was very active in both volleyball and basketball at school, and her friends and teammates wanted to do something special to remember her on Thursday.

     Many students and parents came to the game wearing pink – Sydney’s favorite color – including pink shirts that were sold to raise money for her family. Pink necklaces were handed out at the door so everyone would have something pink to wear, and there were also pink bracelets and memorial window stickers for sale.

     Members of the volleyball team had their own pink shirts with “SPIKIN’4SYD” printed on the back, and many wore pink socks and bandanas during the games. The team put together a shadow box display that included Sydney’s volleyball jersey and presented it to her parents, Shelly and Mike Hamson and Dan Larson. There was also a moment of silence held in Sydney’s honor before the start of the varsity game. The Lady Bison went on to win their match against Garner-Hayfield/Ventura that night, 3-1.

     Another remembrance was held for Sydney last Saturday evening at the site of the crash where she lost her life, located southwest of Kiester, MN on 560th Ave. Bill Anderson of Buffalo Center came up with the idea to construct and install a large, pink cross, complete with lights and a solar panel, in her memory. Sydney had worked for Bill at his detailing business, All-Pro Detail. “She was fun to have around,” said Bill. “Never a dull moment.”

     See full story in this week's Tribune.