Students wrote messages on a poster dedicated to Sanaa Vil, who died in a car accident on October 2.

On October 2, the Sherwood community was shaken by a car accident which took the life of senior Sanaa Vil and injured two other students. Sanaa was a star basketball player and active member of the Black Student Union, beloved by students and teachers alike. This terrible tragedy was recognized by the school with a moment of silence held during announcements along with a memorial organized by the SGA where students decorated Sanaa’s parking spot with flowers, stuffed animals, and posters.

In devastating moments like these the hope is that the community is able to come together to support each other. The tributes and remembrances continued at school-wide events with the football game on October 10 featuring a blackout theme with red ribbons with Sanaa’s basketball jersey number, #24, handed out at the gate. A poster with sticky notes featuring pictures and thoughtful words was also present at the game accompanied by red cups on one of the stadium fences spelling out LLS [Long Live Sanaa] 24. The obvious focus on Sanaa at this game showcased students’ commitment to honoring her memory and ensuring she got the recognition she deserved.

Support was also extended to the Vil family along with the families of the other students involved in the accident. Other people in the community set up multiple GoFundMe and meal trains pages to aid the grieving families in their time of need. Condolences also poured in from across the community, including the principal of Good Counsel High School in an email to Principal Timothy Britton, offering their support in the wake of the loss.

Sherwood also offered support to students with one school based counselor and one member of the MCPS crisis response team in each senior English class the day following the accident to aid students in processing the traumatic events that took place. The College and Career Center was also opened up as a space for students close to Sanaa to gather and grieve together. The counseling department made it clear that they were there to help both students and staff struggling with what happened, providing a safe haven for anyone who needed it.

Sanaa was born on April 16, 2007. She is survived by her parents Jean and Arielle, and her siblings Ruth, Joshua, Naomie, and Hannah. As her family and friends continue to grieve, Sanaa’s memory will continue to inspire and live on for all who knew her.