FRANKFORT, Ill. () — Hundreds of people came together Friday evening for a community vigil remembering 6-year-old Jenna Menias.
The Frankfort first grader was being honored for the bright spirit, strong faith and personality loved ones say defined her. Jenna died earlier this week after she was struck by the school bus that had just dropped her off near her home.
The remembrance was held at 7 p.m. Friday at Breidert Garden, located at 432 W. Nebraska St.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s basically every parent’s worst nightmare,” Frankfort parent Melissa Dimitri said.
Dimitri said she had never met Jenna, but brought her son to the vigil because she wanted to stand with the grieving family and the wider Frankfort community.
“I felt like it was really important to come out and show my support for our community and for humanity at large,” Dimitri said.
For many residents, the candlelight gathering came during what has already been an emotionally difficult stretch for Frankfort.
In August, a powerful derecho tore through the area, leaving widespread damage behind.
Soon after, the community was shaken by the death of 2-year-old Barrett Walsh. His mother, Corie Walsh, has been charged with his murder.
Then on Wednesday, students at Lincoln-Way East left class in protest following an alleged racist incident the previous weekend.
“It’s really hard to make sense of everything that’s been going on,” vigil co-organizer Kim Quinlan said.
Quinlan, a Frankfort resident and parent, said she contacted the mayor this week to ask how she could help bring people together.
“We had residents that said, ‘You know, we’re willing to put something together.’ Said, ‘Well, OK.’ So, this prayer vigil came up,” Mayor Keith Ogle said.
Ogle and his wife joined Quinlan and others in organizing the vigil in downtown Frankfort. Organizers said they wanted everybody to feel welcome.
“I talked with people I didn’t know,” resident Guy Easoz said. “I met some wonderful people near me. I prayed with them. I prayed for them.”
With Jenna and Barrett on their minds, the mayor and residents said they will get through the recent tragedies together.
“This sort of tragedy is also uniting Frankfort, and we’re coming together, and we’re going to support each other,” Ogle said.
Mayor Ogle joined ABC7 Chicago Thursday to talk about the incidents.
“We had storms roll through, and we sorta knew what to do. These things go much deeper, and people in the community are searching. We encourage (residents) to come out; come out as you are. Be part of the community, and let’s work on healing,” Ogle said.
