Counselors helping students in tragedy
ADAMS TWP — Counselors are at the Mars Middle School to help students cope with the death of a classmate who was killed in a dirt bike accident.
Austin J. “A.J.” Zwigart, 15, died Nov. 27 in Gwinnett County, Ga.
Lilburn police Capt. Thomas Bardugon told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he believes the Valencia youth fell off his dirt bike while trying to cross a creek.
Mars School District Superintendent Jim Budzilek said that counselors will be on hand to talk with students who are struggling with the tragedy.
Budzilek said A.J. played middle school football and enjoyed hunting.
“But the main thing that stuck out was that he was a very avid dirt bike rider,” Budzilek said. “It’s a sad tragedy to lose any family member, much less a child. On behalf of the entire district, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.”
Middle School Principal Rich Cornell said that students and staff in his building are coping with the tragedy as best they can.
“A.J. was an all-around good kid, and always had a smile on his face,” Cornell said. “Everyone liked him.”
He said school guidance counselors as well as professionals from the Center for Community Resources will be at the school for as long as needed to talk to those grieving over the loss.
Cornell met with staff early Tuesday morning to ensure everyone knew about the tragedy, and to instruct faculty to send any students who appear upset to the counselors.
Cornell said the counselors are not just for students, but also for teachers because they sometimes need to talk with one to help cope with a student’s death.
“This is equally as hard on us,” Cornell said.
School board President Dayle Ferguson said, “We all grieve and struggle to understand the loss of such a young and vibrant life.”
She attended A.J.’s viewing and said his football teammates and coaches were among the many mourners there.
A.J. was the son of Denise J. Frank Zwigart of Butler and Robert P. Zwigart of Valencia.
The funeral services were Monday at the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Mars.
