Peoria High School’s football team is mourning the loss of its teammate Tommie Forest. The freshman running back and receiver was shot and killed last weekend.
Head Coach Tim Thornton manages about 100 young football players. But he says Tommie Forest stood out, even as a freshman.
“The biggest thing with Tommie that I noticed is he was always smiling. He was always enjoying what he did. Tommie had a dream and he attacked it.”
Thornton says Forest had dreams of being a pro athlete, so he could have more options for himself and his family. That’s why the coach is encouraging the football community to honor his wishes and carry his memory during this season.
The freshman team will wear stickers with the number four, Forest's jersey number, on their helmets. The varsity team will be given patches with his initials, TF.
The lions’ next freshman game is Saturday -- unless funeral services are arranged.
Meantime, Peoria Public Schools District 150 is offering services to students and faculty affected by the incident.
Peoria High School will have 13 additional counselors and social workers available to help those needing emotional support. The district is also providing extra counselors to Manual High School and Von Steuben Middle School.
District 150 Interim Superintendent Sharon Kherat says the tragedy goes beyond the school district.
“If we’re pointing fingers, then we’re not going to be successful," Kherat said. "We have to work collaboratively.”
Kherat says the community needs more social-emotional resources -- like access to group counseling -- to prevent violence among teens.