Anderson School District One Mourns Loss of Middle School Student

Anderson School District One and Powdersville Middle School is mourning the loss of eighth grade student, Halley Sterling, killed in a tragic car accident over the weekend.

“The school district recently mourned the loss of a teacher assistant and now the sudden death of one of our students is extremely sad. It is a great loss for our district and the school,” said Superintendent Wayne Fowler.

The faculty at Powdersville Middle School met following the accident to provide support for each other and develop plans for helping students. Teachers and administrators recalled Halley as a beautiful girl. Maureen Kelly, science teacher at Powdersville Middle, said, “My relationship with Halley Sterling was very special to me. She would greet me each day with a huge smile and open arms for her daily hug. I loved the talks we shared about life with one another. Memories of her will forever be in my heart. Students like Halley make my profession so meaningful. I’ll miss her a lot.” Eighth grade teacher Jackie White, said, “Halley was a beautiful young teenager with striking dark eyes that would light up at the sight of her friends.  When gathered with her peers, Halley was in the middle, having a great time.”

Powdersville Middle School Principal Monty Oxendine said, “I think one of the family members summed it up best when she said, ‘We lost a young lady who had a big heart.’  We will always remember Halley as one who was true to her friends and wanted the very best for them.  Powdersville Middle School extends its prayers and deep condolences to the Sterling family.” Halley attended school in Anderson District One beginning with kindergarten. She attended Concrete Primary, Powdersville Elementary and Powdersville Middle.

Students took advantage of counselors that were on-site to recall fond memories and remember their friendship with Halley. Many were making posters and placing cards in Halley’s school locker.