High School Principal Keith Stewart, of Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico Community Unit School District #3, commented on efforts to ease the recent, devastating loss of a student. Click here to read the McDonald Funeral Homes obituary.
On Monday morning, January 18, 2021, Tampico, IL, resident Alexandria N. Cannavo, 17, lost her life in a tragic vehicular accident. She was a Prophetstown High School Senior.
School administrators are tasked with quickly sharing horrific news when tragedy strikes the school realm. Technology and a communication system efficiently inform staff, parents, and students.
Principal Stewart noted, “Staff were informed through a phone tree. Administrators called staff members to inform them. Through a mass notification system, students and families were informed of the accident, and [told] what counseling supports would be in place on the following school day.”
After District parents are notified, the protocol addresses the grief students and staff will carry as they return to the building.
Stewart requested emotional support personnel; School Counselors responded from Bureau Valley, Erie, Fulton, and Morrison, IL. Additionally, River Bend Community Unit School District #2 (Fulton) and Sterling Police Department brought their comfort dogs, to assist Prophetstown High School youth and adults.
“In any situation like this, we met the next morning with all staff, to discuss the grieving process and how to respond to students who were struggling with the loss of their friend and classmate,” added Stewart.
Alex’s Senior Class friends donated $1000 from their Activity Fund to the local memorial account. All memorial donations will be given to support the family. Accounts are established at
- Farmers National Bank, 114 W. 3rd Street, Prophetstown, IL 61277
- Peoples National Bank of Kewanee, 120 Man Street, Tampico, IL 61283.
Parents Chad Cannavo and Charish Devoss have asked to hold a remembrance event for Alex, when Softball season opens. Thursday, April 22, is the first home game, against Wethersfield High School (Kewanee.) The diamond is behind Prophetstown Park District Swimming Pool, 410 Riverside Drive.