FLORAL tributes to Katie Littlewood blossomed in the courtyard of the school where she touched so many lives.
Students and staff at Herts & Essex High laid wreaths beneath a tree chosen by the 15-year-old’s family, expressing sorrow at the loss of a kind, devoted, talented and popular student who played a vital role in every aspect of school life.
Pupils planned to leave flowers at Johnson's Footpath Crossing in Bishop's Stortford, where Katie died after being struck by a train on Saturday, but were encouraged to pay tribute at the school instead amid police concerns over their safety.
Head teacher Cathy Tooze said: “Our hearts go out to her sisters and her family. Katie was an exceptional student; she was a key figure in our community, involved in so many things.
“Everyone who came into contact with her was impressed by her; she was an extraordinary young woman who will be deeply missed by all of us at Herts & Essex.”
More tributes from the school:
"Katie was a mature, self-assured and confident student who was thoroughly enjoying another year at Herts & Essex. She was clearly someone who relished being involved in the life of the school and taking on many responsibilities.
"At the start of the year, Katie stood as a candidate for the role of Year Council Representative. Katie enjoyed day to day school life and had a wide social circle. Katie was very well organised and punctual, and wore her uniform with pride. Katie was an asset to the school." Mrs C Smith, Katie’s form tutor
"Katie was one of our most able students and was predicted all A* grades for her GCSEs. She was an excellent role model, and was always keen to participate in year or school assemblies. We still remember, fondly, her assembly on litter. Katie was very popular and had a wonderful sense of humour. She was very kind and volunteered at the British Heart Foundation and the local animal shelter, ARC." Mrs M Callander, Director of Student Progress: Year 10
"Katie was very sporty - she swam every week with the swimming club and helped with the Amwell View children. Katie ran in athletics, representing the school on occasions and was a member of the netball club. She brought life to our lessons and always tried her best." Miss E Bellinger
"Katie was one in a million who will be missed every day. She was part of our department in lessons, clubs and even her free time! She always supported me, in her humorous way, since I arrived at the school. She was a key member of the string quartet and we shall struggle to continue without her." Mr P Clayton
"Katie was nothing short of wonderful. It is rare to have such a committed student. Both she felt and we felt that she was part of the fabric of the music department. She was part of every club going, and even found the time to make up her own too: Glee Club. I loved that she was so talented that she could teach herself cello (and achieve a distinction!), that she was a true musician and told you exactly what she thought. Katie had real spirit - she was such a special student and has left such a legacy behind her. I miss her very much." Mrs J Cowley
"Katie Littlewood was not only an absolute genius, but she was also one of the most popular and wonderful girls in Year 10. Everyone adored Katie, be it for her excellent sense of humour or her kind, helpful manner.
"Katie had such a wide range of friends, due to the many extra-curricular activities in which she was involved. Katie was in the Community Ambassadors team, she attended netball and swimming club, the school choirs, Melodettes and Vocalise, and she achieved her Bronze Arts Award and was working towards her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
"Katie was one of the most talented musicians in our year. She achieved Grade 6 in both viola and violin and she was working towards her Grade 6 piano and her saxophone diploma. Katie also taught herself the cello, and was the only person in the school to achieve a distinction in grade 1 cello that term. She was the only student her music teacher had ever met who could easily play all of the instruments in a string quartet. In addition, Katie had an absolutely beautiful singing voice.
"Katie also started a Glee club, which grew quickly and performed in the Christmas concert, and is going to continue with her hard work and strive to win the talent contest in her honour.
"Despite all of this wonderful talent, Katie had a very odd taste in music. She would often be found listening to Celine Dion, Steps, her classical music collection, Cascada, or anything she could find from the 80s.
"Katie truly was an amazing character. Her projects in class were crazy: in Music, she dedicated a song to a cheese pizza, and in English Katie delighted us with a string of performances including EastEnders-style re-enactments wearing bright pink jogging bottoms.
"Katie adored Disney films and would have an animated conversation, with anyone who would listen, about the film she had been watching most recently. In fact, Katie would have an animated conversation with anybody, because she was such a lovely person that it didn’t matter who you were or what you were talking about - she would always listen and have a smile and a laugh to share with you.
"Katie will be so missed by everyone here at Herts & Essex, and she will be with us in our thoughts every day. Katie's memory will live on with us, and we all send our prayers to her and hope she may rest in peace." Abbie Mole
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