Wearing blue, the school community came together this past Monday to grieve over a fellow student and cheerleader. Senior Destiny Conatser and her younger brother passed away after a car accident Saturday, Dec. 3.

“Destiny could brighten an entire room with her smile,” junior Brooke Fincher said. “I never saw her not smiling, and I know that’s what she would want from all of us down on earth. It was truly a blessing to be close to someone so genuine, kind, hardworking and positive.
LISD’s Family Services Team was on campus all day Monday to help students with the grieving process. Students also flocked to the MPR to seek comfort and share stories. Fincher remembers Conatser’s one-of-a-kind humor.

“She wanted her senior quote to be, ‘I sweat a lot’,” Fincher said. “She would say that to all of us at almost every practice.”

A candlelight service was held Monday evening at CA Austin Cheer Athletics, where Conatser took part in competitive cheer.

“The team wanted to show how much they love her and to say goodbye,” junior Trinity Scott said. “They wanted to do something to represent her and how much of a light she was in everyone’s life.”

To further honor Conatser, students took pictures of themselves or with friends in blue, and sent them to the student media’s Twitter or Instagram account, to put together a Flipagram of memories with their support.

“Destiny was such a happy and positive person,” senior media team member Megan Gripentrog said. “Although she is no longer with us, she won’t be forgotten. We wanted to put this presentation together to show our support and honor her.”

With her positive attitude and bright, contagious smile, Destiny left an imprint on all of her friends hearts. She made a lasting impact on not only the cheer team, but the school as a whole.

“Her legacy will live through all of us, especially the cheer team,” Fincher said. “As we head to the state championship in January and finish the rest of our year, it will be tough, but we know she’ll be with us in spirit. That has to be the most motivating thing there is. Making Destiny proud.”