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I knew that this football game was going to be an emotional one.  And of course, I didn't remember to bring any Kleenex with me. 

Wednesday night, Century High School in Rochester, Minnesota had their last home game before playoffs.  Quite a few schools in Southeast Minnesota were also on the fields Wednesday working on that "w".  But for the Panthers, this was also the first time they were on the field without one of their players.

GoFundMe/Jessica Williams
GoFundMe/Jessica Williams
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Just a few weeks ago, Davin Tukua, a Junior at Century High School, passed away due to a car accident.  That Saturday afternoon, students and faculty were getting ready for the Homecoming dance at the school, which Davin was planning to attend as well.

Emotional Tribute Wednesday for Century High School Student Who Passed Away

Quite a few tributes were in motion on Wednesday to celebrate the life and memory of Davin Tukua.

Davin was #19 on the Century High School football team this year and to honor him, the field had his number front and center for the crowd to see.  A moment of silence was also given during the game as the scoreboard was lit with Davin's number.

Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams
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Several students and adults also had D-19 on their faces to celebrate Davin's life.  I believe the face painting was $1 and the money was going to go to Davin's family.

A moment though where I got pretty choked up, and several other adults that I saw, was what happened after the game.

As the band was finishing up outside the stadium, lights started flowing up from the field into the sky.  At first, I just thought something weird was happening with the lights on the field but then realized that lanterns were being lit and allowed to float up to the sky.

I walked to the field to see if I could get a closer view and it was amazing to see so many people showing their support for the family and honoring Davin's memory.

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9 Schools in Minnesota Named as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023

On September 19th, 2023, 9 schools in Minnesota received a tremendous honor by the U.S. Department of Education. All of the following schools were nominated and received the exemplary honor of being named one of the National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio

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