A chair was empty at Abingdon High Schools Graduation where Kirk Nairn was assigned to sit.
Nairn was killed in a car crash on Interstate 81 just after ten o’clock Thursday night near Exit 7 in Bristol, VA.
Abingdon High School had its graduation on Friday night. Two seats sat empty for the seniors who lost their life this school year.
Seniors, usually excited at school before graduation, but school officials said the feeling in the classroom Friday was somber.
“Tonight we gather for a time of celebration as we recognize and honor the Class of 2019,” Principal BJ Lasley said. “However, we are also deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the two members of this class during their senior year.”
When Kirk Nairn’s name was called, both the people in the stands and the graduating class gave him a standing ovation.
“Whether it be tough exams or times of loss, there’s never been a time where we’ve not had each other to carry us through,” a student who spoke at the ceremony said.
Highlands Fellowship released a statement on behalf of the Nairn family which reads in part:
“Kirk was an incredible young man who always had a smile that would light up a room and a Christian faith that was a model for all of us. On behalf of the Nairn family, thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love, prayer, and support during this very difficult time.”
