Triple tragedy

By Kelly Yates
WHITE balloons were released during a memorial service at Narre Warren South P-12 College to mark the passing of a year since Riyani Lowen, Anja Miler and Joel Brimble were killed in a crash in Lynbrook.
Assistant principal Kerri Bolch said the release of the 150 balloons was a symbol of the students letting go of some of the sadness over the deaths of the teenagers.
Ms Bolch described the memorial service, held on Sunday 27 June, as an “emotional and peaceful” service.
Teacher Christine Kuppers spoke briefly during the service about students Riyani and Anja and past student Joel.
Anja’s family and crash survivor Taylor Willan were at the service, along with 60 students, teachers and families from the school.
Student Kevin Lui sang a version of Love Will Keep Us Alive.
Ms Bolch said the students placed flowers around the school’s memorial garden after the service.
The garden, which features roses for each of the students and a plaque, was set up in memory of the teenagers.
“The kids stood around the school memorial and hugged and reflected,” Ms Bolch said.
The past year had been a difficult time for the Narre Warren South school community, Ms Bolch said.
“There were hard times, like when it was Riyani’s birthday a few weeks ago,” she said.
“But the students have supported each other through it.”
After the crash the school opened its doors to the community for three days.
“We all went through it together,” Ms Bolch said.