Harlingen school honors fallen classmate at 8th grade graduation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Harlingen middle school held a moment of silence during its 8th grade graduation ceremony to honor the life of a student whose life was claimed at South Padre Island last weekend.

Vernon Middle School students, faculty and staff took a moment of silence during their Friday morning graduation to remember Anllelith Moreno Solis who was swept by a rip current at South Padre Island last weekend.

A graduation memorial seat for Anllelith was displayed at the middle school graduation with bouquets of flowers and her football jersey on the seat.

The Student Council President at the middle school presented a speech in memory of Anllelith, remembering her as someone who loved sports, played football and defied the odds.

_{Photo by Roni Silva (ValleyCentral)}

Anllelith's mom and two family members attended the ceremony to accept the graduation diploma on the young girl's behalf.

The Vernon Middle School principal issued a statement Monday following the news of the teen's drowning.

Every one of our children are cared for and loved as our own family, and today, and the days and weeks that follow, will be tough for all those who knew her. Please know that our campus is currently filled with administrators and mental health counselors from across the district as we let the staff and students know what has transpired. We are taking every step to make sure your student is getting all the assistance they need upon learning the news. This support from counselors and administrators will continue daily this wee. Please send your prayers and thoughts of comfort to the family of this beautiful and bright young lady as they navigate this tragic event