by Julia Byrnes and Bridget Keough

“One school, one community, one love” said Principal Mark Marrone as he stepped out onto the Mustang field, welcoming the community to the first football game of the 2011 season.

Following the devastating morning of August 20th, Mainland has formed a supportive backbone within the three towns of Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point, bringing everyone together as a family. The outpouring of love and compassion in response to the recent tragedy has come from all across the nation, uplifting the community, and forever altering the Mustang family.

Members of the Mustang community cleared their schedules for the first annual Mainland tailgate; a community barbeque held just prior to the opening game. The warm and comforting atmosphere of the gathering was reminiscent of a family dinner, with loved ones and friends around every corner. With the comforts of food and friendship, the Mainland community was able to offer support to one another and lighten the mood, returning some sense of normalcy to a grief-stricken community.

“I believe this experience has increased awareness of the strength of our community,” said Mr. Rakowski, a MRHS special education teacher. “This is an outstanding place and I think we all were able to recognize that at the first game.” Mr. Rakowski has been teaching at MRHS for thirty years and says he plans to continue at Mainland as long as he can.

Passing through the halls of Mainland, one senses a positive change in morale. Even in the face of devastation and sadness, reminders that we're all one family are everywhere. School t-shirts, sweatshirts and jerseys show Mustang Pride runs deep. "There is a sense that Mainland truly is a special place of which I'm proud to be part," said Rebecca McDevitt, an English teacher. “I love my job and all the students and co-workers that are here.”

Keeping our lost Mustangs in our hearts has helped the community share their love for the boys. Every Mainland sports team, from football to field hockey, has found a way to commemorate our passed loved ones. Whether it is wearing arm bands, patches or stickers on their uniforms, every athlete proudly displays a reminder of those we lost.

Members of the field hockey team created symbols representing the four boys to put on their sticks, while the football team has stickers on the side of each player’s helmet. The soccer teams wear black arm bands that read, “Forever in our Hearts.”

A mural of running horses was erected in front of the football announcement booth with the initials of those we lost. While they may no longer be with us physically, these memorials are reminders that they will always be with us in spirit.

On September 20th, the one-month anniversary of the tragedy, members of the Mainland community came to celebrate the lives of the victims in several ways. Many gathered at a local theatre to watch the Lion King, a momentary escape that helped students and family members return to some semblance of normalcy.

A memorial walk in honor of the boys also happened Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. The walk gave students, staff and any other members of the Mainland community an opportunity to honor the four. While it was a devastating tragedy that made some realize how amazing a place MRHS is, the amount of love and support that now exists proves that the Mustang family is truly one of a kind.