Bernard Everitt Balloon Launch Memorial

Tyler Burdick, 17 of Zion, writes a message to Bernard Everitt, just before tying it to a balloon that will be launched with others in honor of his late friend who passed from a heart defect last January 8th.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their late friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  Volatile emotions spread fierce as Briana Gentry, can't help but mourn for her friend.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Sarah Cannon, Zion Benton High School Psychologist, wipes tears away from her eyes as the mournfulness spreads at a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  A moment of silence, takes place, just after the balloons are flying freely in the morning skies.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  Anthony Crane, age 16 of Zion, writes a message to Bernard, which will be attached to the balloon string.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  Jessica Capp (left) and Ashlen Paules, both age 17 of Zion, write how great of a guy their friend Bernard was and shall always be remembered, their letters will be attached to the balloon strings.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  Tyler Burdick (left) with Shannon McKennie, model custom shirts that were made in memory of their friend, which stand for "You Only Live Once" Rest In Peace, Bernard Everitt, he was a member of the wrestling team.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  Event Coordinator, Tori Shelton, passes out balloons to all the students that came to show their respects to an amazing person.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)

Students from Zion Benton High School dedicate a balloon launch in honor of their friend, Bernard Everitt, who died of a heart defect last January 8th.  (Mark Ukena/Sun-Times Media)