Had a one-car accident not tragically killed Evan Knoblauch in January 2008, he would have graduated alongside his fellow Washington Community High School students in May 2008.
Knoblauch and 20 other students who died while still attending WCHS now have their names and would-be graduation dates memorialized on a new granite memorial.
Scott Picton, 18, was a sophomore on the football team when his friend Knoblauch died. A Boy Scout of Troop 163, Picton was starting to plan for his final Eagle Scout project that year.
Thinking about Knoblauch and others who died during their years as a WCHS student, he hit upon the idea of the memorial that now sits at the corner of Bondurant and Jefferson Street.
He and his friends placed the stone June 15. A commemoration ceremony will take place sometime in July.
“I wanted to do it for the families who had to deal with the harsh reality of loss,” Picton said.
To find names of students who died while still at WCHS, Picton looked through yearbooks from 1950 on and placed ads in local newspapers and the Peoria Journal Star.
In addition to Knoblauch, the memorial includes Darah Sherwood, who would have graduated in 2007, and Brandon Radcliffe and Justin Horton, who would have graduated in 2003.
Several local businesses sponsored Picton’s Eagle Scout project, including Deiter’s Funeral Home, who donated the granite block and paid for all engraving costs.
District 308 superintendent Dr. Jim Dunnan was present June 15 when the memorial was placed.
“This is a great idea because there are a few memorials for teachers who have died but none for the students before this. … It’s neat to recognize all the students in one place,” he said.
Dunnan called it a perfect addition to the school sign that was given by the class of 1982.
“This is a high-traffic area. The students will be able to see this as they walk into the building,” he said.
Picton said he is glad to see his project honoring his friend finally come to fruition.
“It’s been a long process but it was well worth it,” he said.
