CaptionStudents returned to class for the first time Monday without their friend, Joshua Wiggins.
The 11-year-old was killed early Saturday morning when a tornado tore his home from its foundation.
Stopping by the makeshift memorial for his classmate, Jack Peacock said Joshua had a bright future.
"He was a pretty good soccer player, but he could have been a scientist, too, because he was really smart," said Peacock.
"I got a hug from him," said his homeroom teacher, Hilda A. Bridgers. "And you don't have that happen too often with a sixth-grade boy."
Bridgers said Joshua's death made for a tough day at school for everyone at Toisnot Middle, where he was known as someone who enjoyed being in the mix.
"I'm going to remember Joshua by that beautiful smile," said Bridgers. "He was a happy young man."
Principal Craig Harris echoed that sentiment.
"He was always smiling. He always spoke to you -- very cordial young man. Just always happy, and we loved him," said Harris.
Almost everyone at school had a couple days to cope with their families before showing up for class Monday, but the school still had professionals available for students and teachers.
"Their counselors came over and we wrote stuff on a piece of paper and sent it up to a balloon," said Peacock.
Joshua's death had an effect beyond those who knew him, though; even people who never met him felt the need to come out and leave a little something in his memory.
"We just felt touched," said Rebecca Watson, who drove over from Sharpsburg with her family to leave a teddy bear at the memorial. "We felt like we had to come out here and do what we could do."
A fund has specially been set up for the family of Joshua Wiggins. To contribute, call (252) 237-2171.
Report Abuse 
Send To Friend 
