On September 2, 2022,  the students and staff of Center Hill High School gathered in the parking lot to release balloons in memory of Gabriela “Gabby” Lazo.

Gabby had a condition called Noonan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that prevents normal development in various parts of the body. Gabby, unfortunately, passed away recently.

Seeing everyone coming together served as a reminder that Center Hill community lost someone dear to them.

Gabby was a kind-spirited, amazing person who touched the hearts of students and staff alike. Mrs. Bobo said, “Gabby will always have a special place in my heart. She was a fighter until the end. No matter how tough things get in my life, I will always remember to not give up, and this is because of Gabby. Although I was her teacher, she taught me.”

Until Gabby came along, many of the students at Center Hill weren’t aware of Noonan Syndrome. After extensive research from Mrs. Henderson, Noonan Syndrome Awareness Month was approved, and it is now celebrated every February at the Hill. “She used to talk to us on the phone, she loved coming to school, she would always FaceTime us, like even before that when she had dentist or doctor appointments, she would always FaceTime us,” Mrs. Henderson said.

The balloon release was a great way for people to remember Gabby. Many wore Gabby’s favorite color, blue. Before the release, Ms. Bobo reminisced on how Gabby showed her fellow Mustangs that disabilities don’t hold people back but, instead, truly show how strong they are. “She didn’t let anything stop her, nothing. Even if she got tired, she would sit down for a minute, and then she got right back up,” stated the students from D7.

From her love of drawing to her favorite Michael Jordan’s she would wear all the time, Gabby will truly be missed.