Hebrew Academy students have adopted the mottos “Live Like Sammy” and “Smile for Sammy” in the wake of his tragic passing to emulate and remember Sammy’s happy demeanor. To honor his memory and continue his legacy, The Warrior Word now features a weekly column dedicated to Sammy.
So when Sammy and I were in 7th grade, they had just broken out Color War, and after we saw the team rosters, Sammy and I weren’t on the same team. Not a big deal, right? So after the breakout, we went to sit on the picnic benches, and Sammy looks at me and says “Harel, you and I are still friends, right?” And I said, “yes of course, why wouldn’t we be?” And he answered, “because we’re on different teams.” At that moment I really felt appreciated and even though it was a simple answer, I still learned a lesson, and it was to be a good person even though some issues are small, still go and consult others, and ask them how they are feeling. If they don’t feel really well or aren’t happy, try to make the most of their day to be as happy as possible. Sammy showed me this not only in this encounter, but in every single other one. All he did was make other people happy and that’s where his own happiness comes from, so I think that we should all strive to be like him. Miss you so much Sammy, you don’t even know. -Harel Twito (10th)