STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The memory of Anheli Vasquez‑Trinidad, 6, will forever live on at the Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy in South Beach.
Anheli was a first-grade student at the school, which honored her with the dedication of a statue of Our Lady of Altagracia on Tuesday morning.
The young girl was killed on Jan. 2 in a devastating New Springville car crash that also took the life of Gerardo “Jerry” Avila.
Our Lady of Altagracia (Our Lady of High Grace) is the title of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is viewed as the patroness of the Dominican Republic. As explained by Rev. Michael Martine, pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church in South Beach, the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia will be celebrated on Wednesday and Anheli’s family is from the Dominican Republic.
“So we thought that it was significant and appropriate for us to dedicate a statue of Our Lady of Altagracia in her memory because she was such an important part of our school community,” Father Martine told the Advance/SILive.com.
The love of the school and the heartbreak experienced by many was on full display during the bittersweet dedication ceremony Tuesday morning.
A dedication for Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad was held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy. (Advance/SILive.com|Jan Somma-Hammel)
The statue of the crowned Virgin Mary was situated before an assembly of over 300 students and staff who donned pink attire, Anheli’s favorite color. Pink roses and a rosy candle flanked the statue; Anheli’s face graced both.
On the stage above the statue, a “spiritual bouquet” stood adorned with a multitude of paper flowers in memory of the girl, a gift from St. Clare’s R.C. Church in Great Kills.
Principal Debbie Cretella led the dedication ceremony alongside Father Martine. Students from pre-K through eighth grade sat in solemn remembrance as they listened to prayers and a reading from the Gospel.
The school took a moment to sing “Immaculate Mary” in unison
At one point, young students brought up hearts and symbolically laid them before the statue with touching notes.
“So grateful for the time we had. You’ll never be forgotten,” one heart read.
Josephine Prestovino told the Advance/SILive.com that in the wake of Anheli’s death, her granddaughter, a first-grade student, questioned if she would ever have lunch again with Anheli.
It was an emotional event with many fighting back tears, but none fought harder than Anheli’s mother, Merlyna Trinidad.
Trinidad wore a pink and white checkered jacket and was consoled by staff, who hugged her without hesitation.
“Well we’ve been leaning on each other,” Father Martine said. “It’s important for everyone to realize: Anheli’s family, the school community, the students, the teachers, that nobody is alone in all of this; they’re all supporting each other through this.”
However, Father Martine emphasized that it’s the help of God that is strengthening those who love Anheli through these difficult times.
“It’s a tight-knit community here that we have in our school and we all lean on each other and help each other, it’s like a family atmosphere here,” he added.
The love for Anheli manifested itself throughout the ceremony in the tears of those who cherish her, but also through the release of balloons outside the school near the prayer garden where the statue of Our Lady of Altagracia will stand.
First grade classmates release balloons at the dedication for Anheli Vasquez-Trinidad held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy.(Advance/SILive.com|Jan Somma-Hammel)
Anheli’s first-grade classmates braved the cold to gather outside with pink heart-shaped balloons in hand.
Symbolically, the students and Anheli’s mother sent their hearts up to heaven to remind Anheli that they will always think of her, as noted by Cretella.
“Even though I feel so sad, my heart is broke, you know? But one small part of my heart is like happy for how much love they have for my daughter,” Trinidad told the Advance/SILive.com.
Trinidad described how her “lovely girl” was beloved by the school community and how Anheli was “really happy” there.
As explained by Cretella, the school community has done an “incredible” job handling the death of their young student.
“When you’re part of a faith-based community I think that that helps,” she said.
“Our faculty, our staff, our parents were amazing. Everybody came together, everybody supported one another,” Cretella added.
It’s Cretella’s hope that Anheli’s mother and the students of her school “can find peace” through the statue of Our Lady of Altagracia, which was blessed by Father Martine.
“Our first graders are going to be here for another seven years, it’s something that could offer them peace,” she explained.