If you’ve missed a few football home games this season, you may not have witnessed the halftime show dedicated to Kayla Duerler of Harrison High School.

The Walnut community has always shown amazing integrity in showing support toward both our own, and neighboring communities when in a time of need.

We have shown support for Withrow High School when their walkway was vandalized, and we have posted notes with uplifting messages on every locker in the school in memory of our own Justin Fu, a student at Walnut who passed too soon.

In true Eagle spirit, Jaylee Sowders, ‘20 conceived a very special way to honor Kayla Duerler, a childhood friend. They attended the same elementary school in Harrison, OH and had been friends since they were five years old.

Duerler had just received her temporary learners’ permit and was out practicing her driving with her grandparents when she turned in front of a truck. Her last moments were spent praying with the truck driver. Her grandparents were alright but unfortunately, Duerler did not make it.

Duerler was a drum major at Harrison High School, so it was fitting that the way Sowders chose to honor her memory was to dedicate a halftime show to her friend. On Aug. 31, the Walnut Hills Marching Blue and Gold performed at Marx stadium in green t-shirts, an idea conceived by Sowders after attending Duerler’s service.

Some of Duerler’s personal journals were read at the service, and Sowders realized that some of the ideas of unity that Duerler wrote about connected to the theme of the show. She said Duerler was “very religious and faithful” with a “very huge heart”. Duerler had an interest in connecting people. She wrote quotes and scriptures, and drew in her journal. Her life goal was to “bring together as many people as possible; to unite against adversity”.

The show was titled “Come Together”, based off of the classic Beatles hit played that night of the same name. Sowders believes that “as Walnut students, we have a very diverse community but still face prejudices,” but wants to focus on praising diversity. On the atmosphere at the show, Sowders described it as “heart throbbing” and “I could almost cry because [the show’s] so significant in so many ways and can apply to so many ideas”. As said during the show by SENIOR Jeri’ Avery, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”; a quote straight out of Duerler’s journal.

Duerler’s family attended the game at Marx stadium. “They loved the idea and were very honored and moved by it,” said Sowders. They received t-shirts as well.

The game was unfortunately rained out in the end. However, Sowders was still pleased that they were able to perform in Duerler’s honor; even if it wasn’t in front of a huge crowd. “[Honoring Duerler] was a huge motivation for the band and even though we won’t be wearing the shirts during the Homecoming game, we’re still honoring her, whether people know it or not.”

Sowders hoped that from the show, people thought about Duerler’s mentality and what she hoped for the world. Sowders said “she was a very pure person, and with everything going on, she was a very hard person to lose with her mindset… We need more people to be like her.”