SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va. -- The Jefferson High School (JHS) community celebrated the life and memory of Sara Lueck with a candlelight vigil on Friday, April 21. Mrs. Lueck, who passed away on April 13, impacted countless students during her more than four decades at JHS. Many remember her constant encouragement and enthusiasm, calling her the school’s biggest cheerleader. Her kindness, guidance, and positive energy are already missed.
“Our school will never be the same,” JHS Principal and alumnus Mary Beth Group said in a statement. “She dedicated her life to educating and encouraging kids and inspired generations of students in our county.”
JHS sophomore and Leadership Class representative Bria Savage said Mrs. Lueck was a beacon of positivity.
"She had the ability to lift the spirits of students and staff members with her vibrant personality and clever jokes. Mrs. Lueck chose to focus on the happy moments in each day, and her cheerful attitude was infectious to every person around her."
Known for being the heart of JHS, Mrs. Lueck dearly loved the school and welcomed everyone through its doors with her signature grace, optimism, and hospitality. In November 2022, the JHS media center was renamed the Sara Lueck Library and Media Center in honor of her unwavering devotion to the school and its staff and students.
Always a champion of JHS, Mrs. Lueck prioritized her attendance at the school's athletic and extracurricular events and spearheaded its Sportsmanship Committee. She was commonly known as Jefferson High School's #1 fan.
"My fondest memory of Mrs. Lueck is celebrating with her after winning the regional baseball title last year," said JHS senior class president Ryan Hefner. "I remember she was so excited and joyful that it brought her to tears. Mrs. Lueck was always supportive of every student and every student-athlete."
Savage recalled her favorite memory of Mrs. Lueck at the first home game tailgate of the 2022 football season.
"[She] was wearing an oversized JHS football t-shirt and proudly sat next to a handmade sign that was larger than her. Her small frame next to the massive maroon and gold sign was almost comical, but it perfectly depicted her passion for supporting the students of JHS."
The Lueck family will receive friends and community members in the Jefferson High School gymnasium on April 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Visitors may enter the gymnasium through the tennis court entrance to pay their respects. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend in honor of Sara Lueck as a person and educator.