First three photos were taken by Steven Siefken; Jerry Lindsey took the last.
On Friday, February 28, 2020, students and staff from four Morrison Community Unit District #6 buildings gathered in their gymnasiums, in remembrance of a Southside School student who had passed away the week before.
People were encouraged to wear purple in his memory, because purple ribbons represent Dravet syndrome.
Dawson James Sterenberg, 10, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, February 22, at his home. He was born February 1, 2010, in Davenport, IA, to David and Melissa (Workman) Sterenberg.
One of Dawson’s Paraprofessionals initiated this tribute, and Superintendent Scott Vance messaged the staff. The woman was Dawson’s Bi-County Paraprofessional during regular school terms. For three years, she also taught him during Extended School Year (ESY), an academic summer school class. For more years than that, she was the boy’s Bus Aide, to assist if he experienced a seizure while riding to or from school. He never did.
The woman stated, “He always had the most handsome smile on his face! That is what I [will] remember.”
About Dravet Syndrome
“Dravet syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that is part of a group of diseases known as SCN1A-related seizure disorders. The condition appears during the first year of life as frequent fever-related (febrile) seizures. As the condition progresses, other types of seizures typically occur. About 10-20% of people with this condition are estimated to pass away before adulthood. The average age of death is about eight years and ranges from infancy to 18 years of age.”
Northside School
Southside School
Morrison Junior High School
Morrison High School
