Small Town Tragedy by Sarah Schladenhauffen

Small Town Tragedy - by Sarah Schladenhauffen

Exit seventy off of I-10 takes you right into a place that most people do not think twice about. This exit is used that to access the beautiful beaches of the emerald coast or to head to the touristy city of Destin. What only a few people realize is that this place, Niceville they call it, is a small town full of corky charm. It not only has the small town feel, but it has the small town atmosphere. There are a total of five stoplights in Niceville and one major road with only four lanes. You might be thinking the famous “is everyone nice in Niceville.” As a Niceville native I can truthfully say yes, everyone is nice in Niceville. Niceville is full of traditions. The yearly Octoberfest is truly a community event. It occurs the second weekend in October and is held in the grocery store parking lot. The older gentlemen of the Rotary Club serve bratwurst with sauerkraut and there is live music galore. The town cheerleading league all gets an opportunity to perform and those little girls get so excited! There are many booths set up for all the small business to sell anything from embroidered dresses to Christmas lights made out of shotgun shells. Another Niceville classic is the Mullet Festival. You can ask anyone what they are doing the weekend of the Mullet Festival and they will look at you like you are crazy. Everyone goes to the Mullet Festival like it is a religious service. This occasion is held on the unofficial “Mullet Festival grounds” which is a whole a field dedicated to this yearly event. There is live country music, an open bar, and even a Farris Wheel. Fried alligator is served on a stick and you have not seen more cameo at one time in your life. That might seem like a handful but, once you talk to any Nicevilleian they will tell you the main tradition of the town is the Friday night football games.

Football is more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle in Niceville. The only grocery store in Niceville closes for every home game. The fast food chains shut down for the three hours during the game, and the town could be mistaken for a ghost town if you do not follow the excitement and noise to the Eagle football stadium. Before the game even begins, there are tailgates around town and everyone is invited to share in the football pastime. The entire home side is full of Niceville residents and the band has set up risers behind the goal post because they do not fit in the bleachers. There is even a student section that requires a Niceville High School student identification card to get in. The students go crazy for our team. Not one detail is missed; there is always body paint, homemade t-shirts, and face paint galore. They have even created a dance to the fight song. The parents are no exception. They all wear their maroon, black and white to work on Fridays and get fully decked out for the game. Moms wear their players practice jerseys and girlfriends wear letter jackets. This was no exception on August 30, 2008 at the annual kickoff classic versus Niceville’s cross town rivals – the Fort Walton Beach Vikings.

As always in the kickoff classic, the varsity plays the first half and the junior varsity plays the second. The night started off with new beginnings for everyone. The freshman didn’t know how to act. There with kids yelling everywhere and they were doing the best they could to not even be noticed but, they were full of excitement because they were actually in the student section that they had admired from afar all throughout their middle school years. The seniors were trying the best they could to take control of the student section; they were the “big men on campus” now. The sophomores and juniors were learning the new ways of their class and doing the best they could to keep old traditions alive. The freshman moms were proudly wearing their son’s jerseys while the whole town was blanketed in eagle attire.

The smell of hamburgers was in the air as the night grew dark and the lights of the stadium lit up the town. The first half went well, Niceville varsity won and the crowd was full of support for their Eagles. Half time came and the band performed for the first time this season. They blew the Fort Walton Beach band out of the water with their show. All the band parents went crazy and the majorettes even twirled with fire. Everyone was settled into their seats when the buzzer sounded ending half time. The J.V. team came dashing on the field and again the town was on their feet going wild in an instant. To an outsider this might have even looked like a play off game.

It was an Eagle kickoff and the crowd was unable to tame their enthusiasm. The ball went straight down the field and was caught by a freshman. He ran it all the way back to the end zone and the Fort Walton Beach Vikings scored a touch down in the first play. There was the disappointment sigh, but we knew our Eagles would get back into the game. The Eagle offense was unable to score again in that quarter, but the defense held their line and did not let another touchdown go by. Sure enough, the second quarter came around and there were two Niceville touchdowns scored. One was even scored by a brand new freshman! The town was happy again and everything was going really well. The plays were going just as planned and every player got a chance to play. As the game continued, the spirit continued to build. The ball was thrown down the field for a forty yard pass and a brave young eagle jumped into the air to catch the ball. Just as the ball touched his finger tips he was hit from the front and from the back. Sandwiched between two players, all three hit the field. They all managed to make it to their feet but the Niceville Eagle, number 80, limped to the side lines. The crowd saw that it was a rough hit, but thought that he would just be able to walk it off. Once he reached the sidelines, he collapsed. Shocked, the emergency medical team rushed to his side but he was not responding. Not responding? He just took a hard hit? With questions flying he was taken to the local hospital within five long minutes. The town fell silent and didn’t know what to do or how to react, it all happened so quickly. Thinking it was just a minor injury, the team finished the game with the concern of their beloved teammate, Taylor Haugen, on their mind.

Taylor was my little sister’s best friend. They had known each other since the second grade and were known as being inseparable. She was worried about him so she called his cell phone after the game. After he did not answer, the mom network got in gear and placed a call to Taylor’s mother. She answered the phone in between sobs. At that moment, my mom realized this was not any minor football injury. Since everyone was still at the game the moms loaded up their cars with Taylor’s closest and took them straight to the hospital. Once there, the doctors did all they could to find out what was wrong. It was all a mystery; he was just playing a game of ball. Tests were done and they revealed immense internal bleeding. More time passed and more test were done, they found that his liver had been sliced in half at the moment of the collision. There was no way that the hospital could get a liver that soon and so there was nothing that could be done. Over forty eight pints of blood were given to Taylor while the entire football team, cheerleading squad, and many parents said prayers and shed tears. Hours slowly rolled by with no news and little hope left. Around 2:30 a.m. Taylor’s dad came down stairs and lifted his head to say, “It is time to stop praying for Taylor and start praying for his mother and I…we lost our only child.”

Lost Taylor? He died? How could this be? The moment was one that will never be forgotten. Those words came as a heartbreak to everyone there, especially my sister. She just lost her best friend at the kickoff football game. She was beside herself with tears and grief. No one knew how to respond. Everyone was getting ready to leave the hospital because there was no longer a reason to stay. A coach then stepped up and suggested that they say a final group prayer. Sweet words were spoken, but the whole moment was altogether unbelievable. A fifteen year old high school sophomore died doing what he loved, playing football.

Word of Taylor’s death spread like wildfire. By the time everyone had made it home from the hospital, the whole town was reviewing that play over and over again in their minds. The fact that it had caused Taylor’s death was unbearable. By Saturday morning, flags were lowered to half-mass and the town was in a state of mourning. Overnight the town had come together to support each other, but most importantly, the high school students. There were church services, grief counselors and everyone there to hold hands and lend shoulders for the many tears that were shed. Although there were people abundant, it was still too much for high school kids to handle. My sister took the whole situation very hard. She did not know how she would continue her life because her whole world had just been turned upside down. She stopped eating and did not know how to handle the outreach and support; it seemed as if everyone wanted to talk to her about it and she just wanted to wake up from this bad dream she had been living. She slowly realized what Taylor had meant to these people because he was such a great person and that alone should be celebrated. She decided that she wanted to make Taylor’s life a victory and let the town of Niceville know about it, and that is when she knew she wanted to give a eulogy.

Taylor lived his life caring about other people. He was always the kid to think of others before himself. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the grade level representative for his youth group. He was a key member of the football team and ran with the track team. What is important to know is that Taylor had two passions in his life, Jesus and football. Although he died at such a young age, he died doing what he loved. As the days slowly passed the idea that he was gone forever became more and more prevalent. The first day back to school, Monday, the teachers reported that the students “walked around in a daze.” It was like Taylor put smiles on their face every morning and now that he was gone they had no reason to smile. Tuesday came and the funeral was now here. It had had such an effect on the community that school was canceled for the day.

The church was overflowing into the balcony, parish hall, and parking lot. Not only was all of Taylor’s family there but, the entire town showed up. It was a tragedy for the town, for all who loved Niceville football. Not only because a player was lost, but because the team did not know how to continue on without him. The pallbearers were just children who do not even have a driver’s license yet. The football team was all dressed in matching suits and they all sat together. The sight of that alone was enough to bring tears to every eye. There was not a dry eye in the house when his youth pastor finished speaking about the incredible young man that Taylor was. It was still a shock that he was really gone. And gone forever.

Then it was my sister Molly’s turn to speak. She walked up to the pulpit, head held high with tears streaming down her face. She knew that she had to pull herself together to speak with eloquence about her best friend. She turned to face to masses and knew that Taylor was right there beside her and that he would help her get through the next three minutes.

“We are all gathered here today in shock,” she started. She continued on reading word for word what she had prepared, but when she paused to look up she couldn’t finish what she had started. Molly pushed the paper aside and said, “We all know if Taylor was still here with us he would not want to see us upset or in tears.” The audience was a bit stunned now that the tremor had left her voice. She continued, “He lived his life for Jesus and we know that he is with him today, I want to encourage all of us to let his life be our example. I also want us to celebrate his life instead of dwelling on his tragic death.” And with that Molly walked right back to her seat. Her words hung in the air and the crowd was a little taken aback, but she had only spoken the truth and that gave everyone something to think about.

In the days that followed the funeral, much was discovered about Taylor. He had already bought his my sister Molly a Christmas gift. I know that sounds really odd and that was exactly how we all perceived it. When his mother brought it over, she took the card out and could not even open it because her hands were shaking. Once she managed to open the envelope and read the card that said, “Molly, you are an amazing girl and I never want you to forget that. You show the love of Jesus to everyone you meet and I know I could not live without you. Merry Christmas.” The whole thing seemed so weird, it was August and he had Christmas presents already? Molly was unable to speak as she wrapped her little hands around a small black velvet box. She opened it to find a jewelry set of earrings, a ring and a necklace. The stone placed within all of those was the opal. What Molly did not notice was the little note card that fell out of the box. Taylor’s mom carefully picked it up and handed it her. The card explained how the opal stood for hope. The room sat in pure silence as everyone took in the moment. Taylor truly lived his life like he was going to die. Each moment was a precious gift to him and took it just that way. Not a day goes by that Molly does not wear the jewelry set that Taylor gave to her.

A Niceville staple is a little hole-in-the-wall homemade ice cream shop called the Nicery. Anyone visiting Niceville is always directed there because it is one-of-a-kind. It was Taylor’s favorite spot in town and he could always be found there after school, after football games, or anytime he could get there. He always ordered chocolate ice cream with almonds and rainbow sprinkles. Everyone who went with them thought he was crazy. Since his death, the Nicery has created a new flavor, Number 80. Some people don’t get it off the bat, but when it hits them they are sold on it. It is chocolate ice cream with almonds and rainbow sprinkles. The store owner, Mr. Williams, has reported that it is the highest selling item on the menu that he has seen shared over tears and beloved memories of Taylor Haugen.

A month has passed and the flags now fly at full stance. There is not a day that goes by that he and his family is not remembered. Because of this tragedy, both the varsity and junior varsity teams have dedicated their seasons to Taylor, and they are both undefeated. His number had been retired and painted on the fifty yard line for all to see.

Taylor Reid Haugen is survived by his parents Brian Darrell Haugen and Kathy Taylor Haugen of Niceville, FL.; Paternal Grandparents Brig Gen. (Ret) Donald E. and Judith A. Haugen of Niceville, FL.; Paternal Aunt Diana Theriot of Fort Walton Beach, FL.; Maternal Grandparents Hubert and Gail Taylor of Nicholasville, KY.; Maternal Aunt Teresa Hillman of Louisa, KY., and Maternal Uncle Richard Taylor of Lexington, KY. May he rest in peace.

The small town of Niceville will never forget the 2008 Kickoff Classic and the football season that followed. Every time a cars takes exit 70 though Niceville they will pass the Eagle Stadium, with the number 80 boldly written on the fifty yard line and all the painted signs that reads, “Taylor Haugen, 80, Always in our Hearts.”

Works Cited

Griffith, Mike. “NHS Eagle Football Player Dies in Kickoff Classic.” Northwest Florida Daily News 30 Aug. 2008: A1+. Print.

Haugen, Kathy. Personal interview. 30 Sept. 2008.

Schladenhauffen, Molly. Personal interview. 29 Sept. 2008.

Small Town Tragedy - Assignment

Paper 2: The Feature Article (8-10 pages)

Continuing with the theme of rhetorical awareness, this paper will explore a new genre: writing a featured article. The previous paper—the Personal Narrative—created room for more creative, personal writing; this paper will help transition you towards the type of writing that will be expected of you in 1102 classes next semester. The paper will gear you towards more formal academic writing which is consciously directed toward a specific audience.

You can choose either a magazine or periodical currently in publication, analyze its content, style, structure, and audience and write your own article mimicking your findings. (these can be either pop culture magazines—i.e. Time, Newsweek, ESPN, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stones—or publications specific to your particular fields of interests—i.e. science, math, sociology, psychology, music). It might also behoove you to engage in some research in order to produce a factual article and acquire a credible ethos.

Small Town Tragedy - Draft 1

Exit seventy off of I-10 takes you right into a place that most people don’t think twice about. It is used that to access the beautiful beaches of the emerald coast or to head to the touristy city of Destin. What only a few people realize is that this place, Niceville they call it, is a small town full of corky charm. It not only has the small town feel, but it is the small town. There are a total of five stoplights in Niceville and one major road with only four lanes. You might be thinking the famous “is everyone nice in Niceville.” As a Niceville native I can truthfully say that everyone is nice in Niceville. Niceville has many traditions. The yearly Octoberfest is truly a community event. This is occurs the second weekend in October and is held in the grocery store parking lot. The older gentlemen of the Rotary Club serve bratwurst with sauerkraut the town cheerleading league all gets an opportunity to perform. Those little girls get so excited! Another Niceville classic is the Mullet Festival. If you can ask anyone what they are doing that weekend, they will look at you like you are crazy. Everyone goes to the Mullet Festival like it is a religious service. This occasion is on held on the Mullet Festival grounds which is a whole a field dedicated to this yearly event. Fried alligator is served on a stick and you have not seen more cameo in at one time in your life. Once you talk to any Nicevilleian they will tell you the main highlight of the town is the Friday night football games.

Football is a lifestyle in Niceville. The only grocery store in Niceville closes for every home game. The fast food chains shut down for the three hours during the game, the town could be mistaken for a ghost town if you don’t follow the excitement and noise to the football stadium. The entire home side is full of Niceville residents and the band has set up risers behind the goal post because they don’t fit in the bleachers. There is even a student section that requires a Niceville High School student identification card to get in. The students go crazy for the team. There is always body paint, homemade t-shirts, and face paint on every student. The parents are no exception. They all wear their maroon, black and white to work on Fridays and get fully decked out for the game. Moms wear their players practice jerseys and girlfriends wear letter jackets. This was no exception on August 30, 2008 at the annual kickoff classic versus Niceville’s cross town rivals – Fort Walton Beach High School.

As always in the kickoff classic, the varsity plays the first half and the junior varsity plays the second. The night started off with new beginnings. The freshman didn’t know how to act in the student section with kids yelling everywhere, they were doing the best they could to not even be noticed yet they were full of excitement because they were actually in the student section. The seniors were trying the best they could to take control of the student section; they were the “big men on campus” now. The freshman moms were proudly wearing their son’s jerseys while the whole town was in eagle attire.

The first half went well, varsity won and the crowds were full of support for their Niceville Eagles. Half time came and the band did awesome. All the band parents went crazy and the majorettes even twirled with fire. Everyone was settled into their seats when the buzzer sounded for the second half. The J.V. team came dashing on the field and again the town was on their feet in an instant.

It was an eagle kickoff and the crowd was wild with excitement. The ball went straight down the field and everyone was excited. The Fort Walton Beach Vikings scored a touch down in the first quarter. There was the disappointment sigh, but we knew our eagles would get back into the game. Sure enough, the second quarter came around and there were two eagle touchdowns scored. The town was happy again and everything was going really well. The plays were going really well and every player got a chance to play. The ball was thrown down the field for a forty yard pass and a brave young eagle jumped into the air to catch the ball. Just as the ball touched his finger tips he was hit from the front and from the back. Sandwiched between two players they all hit the field. They all managed to make it to their feet but the Niceville Eagle, number 80, limped to the side lines. Once he got there, he collapsed. The emergency medical team rushed to his side but he was unresponsive. He was taken to the local hospital within five long minutes. The town fell silent and didn’t know what to do. The team finished the game with the concern of their beloved teammate, Taylor Haugen, heavy on their mind. After the game, my sister rushed to the hospital to be at his side. They were best friends and had grown up together.

Once at the hospital, the doctors did all they could to find out what was wrong. Tests were done and they revealed immense internal bleeding. After more time passed and more test were done, they found that his liver had be sliced in half at the moment of the collision. There was nothing that could be done because there was no liver to give that soon. Over forty eight pints of blood were given to Taylor while the entire football team, entire cheerleading squad, and many parents said prayers and shed tears. Hours slowly rolled by with no news and little hope left. Around 2:30 a.m. Taylor’s dad came down stairs and lifted his head to say, “It is time to stop praying for Taylor and start praying for his mother and I…we lost our only child.”
These words came as piercing knives to everyone there, especially my sister. She lost her best friends and was beside herself. Everyone was getting ready leave the hospital when a coach stepped up to say a final group prayer. Sweet words were spoken, but the whole moment was unbelievable.

By the time everyone had made it home from the hospital, the whole town already knew what had happened. Flags were lowered to half-mass and the town was in a state of mourning. Overnight the town had come together to support each other, but most importantly, the high school students. There were church services, grief counselors and everyone there to hold hands and lend shoulders for the many tears that were shed. My sister took the whole situation very hard. She stopped eating and did not know how to handle the outreach and support. She slowly realized that all of these people loved Taylor because he was such a great person and that is something that should be celebrated.

He was a member of the National Honor Society and the grade level representative for his youth group. What is important here is that Taylor had two passions in his life, Jesus and football. Although he died at such a young age, he died doing what he loved. As the days slowly passed the idea that he was gone forever became more and more prevalent. The first day back to school, the teachers reported that the students “walked around in a daze.” It was like Taylor put smiles on their face every Monday morning and now that he was gone they had no reason to smile. Tuesday came and the funeral was now here. School was canceled for the day.

The church was overflowing with people. Not only was all of Taylor’s family there, the entire town showed up. It was a tragedy for all who loved Niceville football. The pallbearers where just children who do not even have a driver’s license yet. The football team was all dressed in matching suits and they all sat together. The sight of that alone was enough to bring tears to every eye. The sanctuary was overflowing into the balcony and furthermore into the parking lot. There was not a dry eye in the house when his youth pastor finished speaking about the incredible young man that Taylor was. It was still a shock that he was really gone.

In the days that followed the funeral, much was discovered about Taylor. He had already bought his best friend, my sister Molly, a Christmas gift. I know that sounds really odd and that was exactly how she perceived it. When his mother brought it over, she took the card and could not even open it because her hands were shaking. Once she managed to open the envelope and read the card that said, “Molly, you are an amazing girl and I never want you to forget that. You show the love of Jesus to everyone you meet and I know I could not live without you. Merry Christmas.” The whole thing seemed so weird, it was August and he had Christmas presents already? Molly was unable to speak as she wrapped her little hands around a small black velvet box. She opened it to find a jewelry set earrings, a ring and a necklace. The stone placed within all of those was the opal. What Molly did not notice was the little note card that fell out of the box. Taylor’s mom carefully picked it up and handed it her. The stone was an opal and the card explained how the opal stood for hope. The room sat in pure silence as everyone took in the moment. Taylor truly lived his life like he was going to die. Each moment was a precious gift to him and took it just that way.
The Nicery is a Niceville owned homemade ice cream store. It was Taylor’s favorite spot in town and he could always be found there after school. He always ordered chocolate ice cream with almonds and sprinkles. We all thought he was crazy. Since his death the Nicery has made a new flavor, the Taylor. It is chocolate ice cream with almonds and rainbow sprinkles. The store owner has reported that it is the highest selling item on the menu.

A month has now passed and the flags now fly at full stance. There is not a day that goes by that he and his family is not remembered. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams have dedicated their seasons to Taylor and his number had been retired and painted on the fifty yard line.
Taylor Reid Haugen is survived by his parents Brian Darrell Haugen and Kathy Taylor Haugen of Niceville, FL.; Paternal Grandparents Brig Gen. (Ret) Donald E. and Judith A. Haugen of Niceville, FL.; Paternal Aunt Diana Theriot of Fort Walton Beach, FL.; Maternal Grandparents Hubert and Gail Taylor of Nicholasville, KY.; Maternal Aunt Teresa Hillman of Louisa, KY., and Maternal Uncle Richard Taylor of Lexington, KY. May he rest in peace.

The small town of Niceville will never forget the 2008 Kickoff Classic. It will always be remembered as the season played for Taylor. Every time a cars takes exit 70 though Niceville they will pass the football field, with the number 80 written on the fifty yard line and the painted all that reads, “Taylor Haugen, 80, Always in our Hearts.”

Small Town Tragedy - Draft 2

Exit seventy off of I-10 takes you right into a place that most people do not think twice about. This exit is used that to access the beautiful beaches of the emerald coast or to head to the touristy city of Destin. What only a few people realize is that this place, Niceville they call it, is a small town full of corky charm. It not only has the small town feel, but it has the small town atmosphere. There are a total of five stoplights in Niceville and one major road with only four lanes. You might be thinking the famous “is everyone nice in Niceville.” As a Niceville native I can truthfully say yes, everyone is nice in Niceville. Niceville is full of traditions. The yearly Octoberfest is truly a community event. It is occurs the second weekend in October and is held in the grocery store parking lot. The older gentlemen of the Rotary Club serve bratwurst with sauerkraut and there is live music galore. The town cheerleading league all gets an opportunity to perform and those little girls get so excited! There are many booths set up for all the small business to sell anything from embroidered dresses to Christmas lights made out of shotgun shells. Another Niceville classic is the Mullet Festival. You can ask anyone what they are doing the weekend of the Mullet Festival and they will look at you like you are crazy. Everyone goes to the Mullet Festival like it is a religious service. This occasion is on held on the unofficial “Mullet Festival grounds” which is a whole a field dedicated to this yearly event. There is live country music, an open bar, and even a Farris Wheel. Fried alligator is served on a stick and you have not seen more cameo at one time in your life. That might seem like a handful but, once you talk to any Nicevilleian they will tell you the main tradition of the town is the Friday night football games.

Lost Taylor? He died? How could this be? The moment was one that will never be forgotten. Those words came as a heartbreak to everyone there, especially my sister. She just lost her best friends at the kickoff football game. She was beside herself with tears and grief. Everyone was getting ready to leave the hospital because they did not know what else to do. Then a coach stepped up and suggested that they say a final group prayer. Sweet words were spoken, but the whole moment was altogether unbelievable. A fifteen year old high school sophomore died doing what he loved, playing football.

Word of Taylor’s death spread like wildfire. By the time everyone had made it home from the hospital, the whole town knew what had happened in that play. By Saturday morning, flags were lowered to half-mass and the town was in a state of mourning. Overnight the town had come together to support each other, but most importantly, the high school students. There were church services, grief counselors and everyone there to hold hands and lend shoulders for the many tears that were shed. My sister took the whole situation very hard. She did not know how she would continue her in her life because it had just been turned upside down. She stopped eating and did not know how to handle the outreach and support; it seemed as if everyone wanted to talk to her about it and she just wanted to wake up from this bad dream she had been living. She slowly realized what Taylor had meant to these people because he was such a great person and that alone should be celebrated.

Taylor lived his life caring about other people. He was always the kid to think of others before himself. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the grade level representative for his youth group. What is important to know is that Taylor had two passions in his life, Jesus and football. Although he died at such a young age, he died doing what he loved. As the days slowly passed the idea that he was gone forever became more and more prevalent. The first day back to school, Monday, the teachers reported that the students “walked around in a daze.” It was like Taylor put smiles on their face every morning and now that he was gone they had no reason to smile. Tuesday came and the funeral was now here. It had had such an effect on the community that school was canceled for the day.

The church was overflowing into the balcony, parish hall, and parking lot. Not only was all of Taylor’s family there but, the entire town showed up. It was a tragedy for all who loved Niceville football. Not only because a player was lost, but because the team did not know how to continue on without him. The pallbearers where just children who do not even have a driver’s license yet. The football team was all dressed in matching suits and they all sat together. The sight of that alone was enough to bring tears to every eye. There was not a dry eye in the house when his youth pastor finished speaking about the incredible young man that Taylor was. It was still a shock that he was really gone. And gone forever.

In the days that followed the funeral, much was discovered about Taylor. He had already bought his best friend, my sister Molly, a Christmas gift. I know that sounds really odd and that was exactly how we all perceived it. When his mother brought it over, she took the card out and could not even open it because her hands were shaking. Once she managed to open the envelope and read the card that said, “Molly, you are an amazing girl and I never want you to forget that. You show the love of Jesus to everyone you meet and I know I could not live without you. Merry Christmas.” The whole thing seemed so weird, it was August and he had Christmas presents already? Molly was unable to speak as she wrapped her little hands around a small black velvet box. She opened it to find a jewelry set of earrings, a ring and a necklace. The stone placed within all of those was the opal. What Molly did not notice was the little note card that fell out of the box. Taylor’s mom carefully picked it up and handed it her. The stone, an opal, and the card explained how the opal stood for hope. The room sat in pure silence as everyone took in the moment. Taylor truly lived his life like he was going to die. Each moment was a precious gift to him and took it just that way.

Niceville has a little hole-in-the-wall homemade ice cream shop called the Nicery. It was Taylor’s favorite spot in town and he could always be found there after school, after football games, or anytime he could get there. He always ordered chocolate ice cream with almonds and rainbow sprinkles. Everyone who went with them thought he was crazy. Since his death, the Nicery has created a new flavor, Number 80. Some people don’t get it off the bat, but when it hits them they are sold on it. It is chocolate ice cream with almonds and rainbow sprinkles. The store owner, Mr. Williams, has reported that it is the highest selling item on the menu that he has seen shared over tears and beloved memories of Taylor Haugen.

A month has passed and the flags now fly at full stance. There is not a day that goes by that he and his family is not remembered. Because of this tragedy, both the varsity and junior varsity teams have dedicated their seasons to Taylor. His number had been retired and painted on the fifty yard line.

The small town of Niceville will never forget the 2008 Kickoff Classic. The 2008 football season will always be remembered as the season played for Taylor Haugen. Every time a cars takes exit 70 though Niceville they will pass the Eagle Stadium, with the number 80 boldly written on the fifty yard line and all the painted signs that reads, “Taylor Haugen, 80, Always in our Hearts.”