Record number of shoeboxes donated in Kenadie’s memory

All of the 542 shoeboxes were donated in memory of much-loved Year 12 student Kenadie Porter, who passed away suddenly in September.

A printed label was placed on each of the shoeboxes in tribute to Kenadie, who enthusiastically supported the appeal each year.

Her form teacher, Mr Stephen Hawthorne, said Kenadie “loved to look out for others”.

“Kenadie was an avid supporter of the Blythswood Shoebox appeal, as she was enthusiastic about all areas of school life,” he told the Chronicle.

“She was particularly kind and was a lovely Christian girl. These values impacted how she lived each day and in all her interactions with others.

“Each year she brought in a number of shoeboxes that she, along with her parents, had carefully prepared.

“When myself and other representatives from the school called to the Porter home after her sudden passing, we had an opportunity to talk about the qualities that Kenadie possessed. “Mrs Porter stated that, ‘You don’t need to worry about the shoeboxes, Kenadie has hers ready for this year’.

“This was early in the school term and the shoeboxes hadn't even been mentioned by the school, yet Kenadie had been getting her boxes organised and ready. That is the girl that Kenadie was.

“As a school we thought it would be a fitting tribute to present the shoeboxes from Dromore High in memory of Kenadie this year. On the top of each of the 542 boxes, there was a label which read ‘Donated in memory of Kenadie Porter’.

“It was lovely that Kenadie's parents were able to be at the school on Friday past to see the large number of shoeboxes presented - a record number for the school - to present them to the representatives from Blysthwood Ireland, and to help load them into the van.

“They said it was lovely to see her name so many times, and that Kenadie would have been delighted to see so many boxes being sent out to bring some joy to others, mirroring the compassion of Jesus.

“The Blythswood representatives said that each box will mean a great deal to those that receive them.

“The children and adults state over and over again their amazement that people from so far away, that they have never met, have taken the time to think about them.”

Mr Hawthorne said that Kenadie's form class remember her fondly, and will continue to honour her memory.

“She was a quiet pupil in class, and had a few good close friends, yet she was friendly with everyone,” he added.

“The class speak about her kindness and how she always had a kind word and complemented those she interacted with.

“The class contributed to the shoebox total and it was fitting that Ferguson House, which Kenadie was part of (12F1), submitted the most boxes.

“The class say that they will continue to remember Kenadie, and the girl that she was, and honour her memory in various ways throughout the year.”

The school wishes to commend all the pupils, parents and staff who have contributed generously to this worthy appeal and made this possible. Once again, the kindness of the school community shines through.