HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A crowd consisting of students, faculty, staff, friends, and family came together to say goodbye to Hilton Head Island High School’s long-serving athletic director on Monday.

Joe Monmonier, who passed away on July 9 at the age of 53, dedicated over two decades to Hilton Head Island High School. He initially joined as a special education teacher and lacrosse coach, later becoming the school’s athletic director, a position he held for 13 years.

Monday night, those he impacted gathered at the school’s stadium to honor the legacy of a remarkable man.

“Most importantly, Joe taught me something that profoundly impacted my life. He began saying ‘I love you’ as he left, inspiring me to express it to those I care about as well. Thank you, Joe, for that gift,” shared Jason Cooke, Monmonier’s closest friend.

Guests coming out to honor joe were encouraged to wear the school’s colors or purple, in honor of Monmonier’s beloved Baltimore Ravens.