Lilliana Schalck | In Memoriam | 07/01/05 - 2/23/19

The shock and bitter angst of the loss of Lilliana Schalck is still settling over Fort Thomas and the region.

The 13-year old Highlands student died suddenly while traveling to compete with her cheerleading squad, Premier Athletics, based in Park Hills, Kentucky.

Schalck, was a talented cheerleader and gymnast. She was the first eighth-grader in school history to make the varsity cheerleading team for the Bluebirds.

A vigil was held Sunday night at Highlands Middle School where students, teachers and community members packed the bleachers.

Highlands Middle School Principal, Michael Howton, addressed the crowd of hundreds, letting them know that the community should come together to support one another.

"It's okay to feel grief," he said. "It's really a time to put your arm around somebody and show some support and just provide that shoulder to lean on if needed." 

An hour and a half after the vigil started, the gym began to clear. The Highlands educators that filled the gym were foundational pillars for weary students to lean on even though it was clear they were hurting as well.

"One of the kids during our vigil was saying how Lilliana was one of the first people in the lobby greeting people," said Howton. "She didn’t know what they’d do without her. I said, do what she did: be there and show that support to others."

Photos: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com

Monday night, the Highlands boys basketball team played Cooper in the first round of the region tournament at NKU. The O-Zone, the Highlands spirit, section dressed in blue to honor Lilliana. But the show of support didn't stop there.

Every cheerleading squad of every other team playing at BB&T Arena wore blue ribbons to show their support. The region came together to show their support for a hurting Highlands community.


Photos: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. 

Services for Schalck are being held Friday, March 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Muhlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, located at 427 S. Fort Thomas Avenue.