It has been a very difficult time for McCollough Unis school. Most recently our community has been touched by the passing of many loved ones. We mourn the deaths of Donald Unis, John Hurley, and Kim Pantaleo. Mrs.Pantaleo was a teacher, mom, and friend to the students of McCollough Unis School.
“Once we were aware of the shocking news, I can see how it affected the building and the staff”. 
Some kids were crying or didn’t know what to do. Student Hanan Alakral and Jad Elmokdad admired Ms.Pantaleo as a teacher.”She is kind and nice, she always solves problems”. Said, Hanan
When a teacher passes away it a really hard way to take it, even though you’re young it still hurts. A teacher that was teaching you Math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Substitute teacher Ms. Daoud talks about the class and students work and success “In the beginning when I first started they were wondering, asking questions like if I would move stuff around they would be like are you taking that out of the classroom, what’s happening? But other than that no their work is on task, because we did mention that Ms. Pantaleo wants them to succeed and will be watching over 
After Mrs.Pantaleo’s tragic death, students and staff came to celebrate and remember all the great memories of her by making a memorial in celebration of her life. It was a way for the kids and staff that knew her to come together and remember all the great memories.
Student Ali Abdulsader thought of the idea and he said “I wanted to make the memorial ceremony so that we can have time to remember all the good memories we had with her and how caring and loving she was.”
The memorial was really a celebration of all the good memories we spent with Ms. Pantaleo. During the celebration, we had a candlelight vigil. The candlelight vigil was a walk to the garden that was dedicated to her.
“I knew that she loved flowers and to garden and I know we were in the process of putting one together. So in talking with the staff, and students, we felt it would be appropriate because of the impact that she had on the building. This would be a good way to remember her and we just decided that in the spring, we will name it The Pantaleo Gardens” stated Chadi Farhat.
A lot of friends and colleagues showed up to honor her because of how much she meant to them. The principal from Fordson and Dearborn Highs came to support, the leader of our district, Mr. Glenn 
People that are close to you and pass away is a hard thing to deal with and it not always easy. ‘People stick together, you know it family, wife, extended family, and good people, friends and letting it out if you need to get a little emotional. Then I remember good, positive memories”. Said Dr.Maleyko
It never easy to lose someone that inspired, motivated and conquered a love of learning. But there is still a remembrance of Kim Pantaleo, you will never be forgotten, you will still be our forever standing flower.
By: Marwa Alhillo