The Hilton High School class of 2018 took to the stage this afternoon to graduate. On a day full of joy and celebration, the Hilton community is still remembering and honoring 18 year old Paige Smith, who was tragically killed in a car crash on Latta Road in Greece on June 10, just weeks before graduation. Some of Paige’s fellow seniors spoke to 89.1 The Point on honoring their friend’s memory. Emily Melita said, “It’s unbelievable how much it’s brought us all together everyday- you see people and there’s been so much love, that’s all there is to it.” Julia Marino added, “Yeah I don’t think the Hilton Community has ever come together like this and that with the loss of her, her memory will still go on forever and I think that everybody was definitely a lot closer because of it.” Senior Kendall Roberts, who will be headed into the military, says he will keep Paige in his memory no matter what. He added, “Recently at my grad party I released a bunch of balloons in her memory like into the sky and I got like a quote on my cap about it, like this is one of her quotes so I am not going to forget ever.” The Hilton class of 2018 is looking forward to their futures. Though Paige Smith may no longer be with them, it is clear that her memory will live on in their hearts.
Story by Ben Vahey & Amanda Berg