Wednesday, April 8, 2009

My Special Smile

Jin Ju was a breath of fresh air. She gave our school a smile each and every day and always made us feel so special. Every time I met with Jin Ju, she gave me a big smile that reminded me how special all of our students are. She was a wonderful leader who loved our school family so much.
I will miss Jin Ju so much and I will treasure my memories of her in my heart. She will live long in our hearts at Port Richmond High School.
Mr. Gannon

48 comments:

  1. I may not have had JinJu as a student, but what I do remember of her was her smile. No matter where she was, or what she was doing, she always had such a bright smile on her face. She always was giggling with someone, and was always well liked. Wherever you are JinJu, your smile will always light up the halls of PRHS.

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  2. Me and Jinju go wayy back, i would always sit with her at the lunch table, right next to her. I was also on the tennis team with her, it was the best because she was always my partner as we practiced. I would help her play well, and I would make fun of her just to joke around. she would get soo mad and hit the ball VERY hard... she would say,"im no girly girl, im so pissed off," because i would make fun of her as a joke.. *sighs* I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SOO MUCH!!!

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  3. R.I.P.
    Ms. Jinju Kim.

    The memories will be with us always.

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  4. whenever she was sad or upset she always had that smile on her face, walking around all happy and cheerful; she brought that out in everyone... everywhere she went... shes such a good friend!!! WORDS CAN NOT DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL RIGHT NOW... :(

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  5. Jin Ju was so wonderful! She was so funny too, when we were at the UN she said that we should go and ask the hot Itlian guys out. We went up to talk to them, she was so friendly, she talked to almost everyone there! And she alway smiled at me when she saw me in the hallway.

    I'm going to miss her so much! RIP

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  6. Jin Ju was awesome among many other things. I always found her as an inimitable, vibrant, and generous person- she was always so funny and upbeat...I remember all the hilarious things she told me when we had lunch and class together. This whole ordeal is truly surreal and I wish it never happened. I hope Jin Ju rests in peace and keeps smiling.

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  7. "And say my glory was I had such friends."
    ~William Butler Yeats (1865 - 1939)

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  8. I never met Jin Ju but from what i have read and heard, she was a one of a kind person... R.I.P Jin Ju
    always loved, never forgotten

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  9. Jin Ju Kim... i cant believe it.
    Everyday after school you would always come over my house to play with me and my brothers along with Yousma. You were fun to be with and easy to talk to. More importantly you had one of the greatest smiles ever and it would make me smile to know that you were my friend. I will always remember you. R.I.P. and keep smiling. ~NATHAN ALBA~

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  10. I met Jin Ju through my sister and, although I knew her for a short time, it was easy to tell that Jin Ju was a unique person. She was one of the most down to earth and kindest person I have ever had the privilege to meet. She always had a smile on her face no matter what mood she was in. I remember just the other day I was sitting with her at lunch - I can't believe that she has passed away. I hope she rests eternally in peace and happiness.

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  11. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
    Jin Ju accomplished great feats and will continued to be remembered for them. However, it is her soul that matters most and it is this that will live on forever.

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  12. Im gonna miss you Jinju sweetie. Your always going to be apart of the Raider family.

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  13. Although me and Jin ju weren't as close I remember having class with her all of freshman and sophmore year. She was an amazing person, with a great smile and a wonderful personality. We had lunch together and sometimes we would hang out in the library. Even though we didnt have class anymore, she would always say hi to me and give me a smile that would just brighten your day. I can't believe she's gone, but I know she will always remain in our hearts and will never be forgotten. =/

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  14. i wasn't close with her I was in her gym class the first semester. I always see her simle everyday. Never once saw her with a sad face she was a great person and will be missed by everybody including me. R.I.P. Jin Ju.

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  15. & Jinju Kim; was an intelligent; hardworking; bright person with a bright future ahead of her. Alwayz happy & optimistic; not one day did she fail to put a smile on my face or make me laugh.& Yes we might not of been as close; but she was still my friend & we had classes together; always will I cherish the moments we shared together. You were an inspiration to many & forever will you be in our hearts. As they say the good die young & even though it's hard for me to believe and accept that your gone; I know that you're in a better place now; shining down; watching over & protecting us all. May God rest your soul =,(

    R.I.P. Jin Ju Kim; Loved & Truly Missed...

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  16. jin ju...
    wow. i really don't know what to say. im sad that your gone but i know you're in a better place. you were such a wonderful person to be around...
    i remember back when i joined the JROTC program, and we coined you as the token asian, so precise and crisp in formation and drill. you set the tone for all the cadets in the program. you wore your class A uniform so proudly. if there was anyone i would aspire to be like, it would be you. it was truly an honor to be graced with your presence on this earth. and your memory will live on...

    Rest In Peace girl... We love you

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  17. I had only just recently met Jin Ju before she passed, but I could tell she was one of those genuinely nice people which are impossibly hard to find in today's society. She always seemed so vibrant and cheerful and regardless of whether you were close to her, her passing is a shock to everyone.

    I send my condolences to her family and friends.

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  18. I met Jin Ju the begginning of this school year. She was in my gym class in the fall term. From the moment i met her, she was so nice and friendly to me. There was always a bright smile on her face no matter what. She was very cheerful and opptimistic which made me smile. Hearing that she had passed, was a big shock and upsetting to many people. Jin Ju will be dearly missed by everyone, including me.

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  19. Well Jin Ju, its finally sinking in that your truly gone. Just a few weeks ago we put up new bullentins together. I would sometimes sign your name on the attendence book in leadership class. Not to long ago we were discussing prom and how you wanted a short poofy dress. When i heard the news, all I thought about were the little moments we shared. Like during golf season, we both would always complain about how much we stunk. Man. I am blessed to have met a person like you. Rest In Pease Jin Ju Kim
    ... from a "gatewayan" , yours truly Liridona

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  20. its so sad that another person i knew from port richmond is gone
    R.I.P. Jin Ju

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  21. Although I never personally met Jin Ju myself I've seen her in the hallways many times. She was constantly smiling and was always happy. Jin Ju, you will always be known as the light that lit up the hallways of Port Richmond High School and your memory will always be cherished.

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  22. omg.I cant believe its true.jinju was in my gym class the first semester.I didnt personally really speak to her but she was always so happy and smiling.im sure from what I heard she was a wonderful person inside and out.my heart goes out to all of jinju's close friends and family.port richmond wont ever be the same without jinju,our student body president.R.I.P JINJU.may GOD be with you.we all know your in a better place.

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  23. jinju, you will always be in our hearts and your memory will stay as well...we know your in a better place now and you are happy and in peace smiling down on us from heaven.


    prhs will miss you

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  24. her smile and how smart and kind she was is the best way i can remember her by. the last time i saw her she was laughing and smiling. and i really wasnted to smile back at her as a thank you when i saw her but i just couldn't bring myself to do it. i wish that i was closer to her and that i could have at least hung out with her once but you know how things will turn out and the last person i would have thought would go and leave us like that. its not fair you know i'm really gona miss her and its not going to be the same ever again, but it a good thing we have awesome friends at a time like this. i as much as i wish she was here with us i cant but you know now she's looking down on us and watching over us. and im going to smile as much as possible for her memory.

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  25. jin ju was one of the very few nice and honest people that we meet in our lifetime.she will always be missed and remembered by all of us. I might not have known jin ju for as long as some, but i can honestly say she has made an impact on my life from metting her. You will always ne in our hearts and in our memories. On behalf of the varsity softbal team and myself, our last win was for you.

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  26. what to say about jinju...actually the better question is where do i start.whereever jinju went she had tha smile on her face and she jus knew how to make everyone else laugh..she was jus tha kinda person who was jus an all around good person nn was such an inspriation to all of us.as people would say she would paint the town red wherever she was.its hard to imagine her not here.now tha shes gone i wish tha i wouldve been a little closer to her beaause she truly was a beautiful girl inside and out.she was gunna be someone...she was gunna go somewhere in life..its jus soo sad to kno tha when we walk through the halls tha she wont be there to say heyy or to greet us wid her smile tha she wore soo well...dammmm mann this is such a huge loss =(I MISS Y0UU JINJU ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN MY HEART BAABY GIRL...whenever someone meantions ur name im gunna smile and think then im gunna remember how good a person nn friend uu was to me and everyone y0uu knew.....

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  27. i may not have known JinJu as well as the rest, but i know one things for sure. she was the sweetest girl you would ever meet. she always had a smile on her face that you couldnt help but smile back. i shared a sociology class with her, she was known as the senator..she was going places, she was class president, a leader an inspiration...she was a girl who was right on track, her loss has really taught us that you never know what can happen , to live life. JinJu Kim, may you rest in peace, you will forever be in our hearts, and forever be a Raider..to our Raider Angel...you are truley missed. we love you <3

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  28. Although i knew Jinju Kim for a very short time i wish i had known her longer.Jinju was a warm hearted spirit that could put a smile on your face with her kind.I admired how smart and intelligent she was,she was living proof that you can do anything if you set your mind to it.Although she is not here with us,she will always be in our hearts,and we will never forget the good times we spent with her.Jinju Kim will always be an angel looking out for us.

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  29. to a fallen angle...youu will forever be missed..in our hearts is where youu lie and maybe one day we can walk side by side jus as we once did..its hard to imagine life here without youu and tha beautiful smile && soul of yours....heres to jinju kim..for the one we lost on earth but gained a deserving spot in heaven...RIP BABY GIRL...

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  30. Jin Ju, I miss you so much. The feeling of emptiness in my heart is indescribable. You suddenly and unexpectedly left the world. Your lost makes me losing my self-consciousness and concentration; your lost makes me numb. Sometimes, I wonder what reality is. How can reality be so cruel and pitiless? Why is life so unfair?
    Sometimes, I wish this whole thing’s just a dream; when I wake up from this nightmare in the morning, everything will be back to normal again. However, part of my mind keeps whispering to me that "Stop waiting stupid, she will never come back".
    Jin Ju, the image of you constantly appearing in my mind. However, all those images and memories in my mind can not replace your physical existence. The whole world is not the same anymore.
    When I went to the service, you looked so peaceful and tranquil. You were so close to me, but at the same time, I felt we were so far apart. I really miss you and I want you back.
    Death is the ultimate stage of human's life cycle. We should face death with bravery, and with courage. Human are organisms with emotions; therefore it's difficult for us to control and suppress them. However, let's not making death the factor that prevents us from moving on to our future. Let's make Jin Ju our biggest motivation; the ultimate driving-force that encourages both you and me. When we feel lazy doing work, please think about Jin Ju, who lost her previous opportunity to accomplish her dream. We truly are the lucky ones. I will live and work harder for her; I will value my life and make everyday of my life the best day ever. Jin Ju, give me some times, because one day I will be successful.
    Rest In Pease Jin Ju Kim
    …From your friend, your a.p biology and statistic classmate, your soul mate, Chia Chou Pan

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  31. I had the pleasure of meeting JinJu when she was a member of the J.R.O.T.C during her freshman year of high school. I will never forget her amazing smile or her optimistic view on life. JinJu always had the ability to brighten my day, no matter what was going wrong. Actually, she had the ability to brighten every ones day. She would approach fellow cadets and say "Hey guys! What's up?" Most of us would appear annoyed, but how could we deny the beautiful, huge smile on her face? All our troubles would go away at the sight of her smile.
    Anyone who knew JinJu knew how amazing and smart she was; and the fact that she is gone is heartbreaking and hard to live with. I can't go 5 minutes in a day without thinking of JinJu or hearing her cheery voice in my head. Somebody like her didn't deserve to have their life cut short. She would have done so many good things. I will now value every moment I have in life even more, because we all have JinJu to guide us through the darkest times.
    The star that shines brighter burns faster... Rest in Peace, my dear friend... We love and miss you, JinJu <3

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  32. In the school year 2005-2006 I was the commanding officer of the Port Richmond High School Army JROTC unit. That year I had the honor of calling Jin Ju Kim one of my cadets. She was a kind sole and had a good heart. As a freshman she tried to go above and beyond in her duties, volunteering and getting involved. It saddened me when I found out that Jin Ju has passed away.

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  33. Man jinju. I can't believe it. I remember when we first met. You were in my spanish class. You sat behind me and I would ask you for a pencil and you would give me these really cute korean ones. You used to teach me korean words here and there and I would always go back to you cause I would forget. I also rememberd how me and you would go back and fourth to each office to make copies of your posters to run for class president. And look at this, you stayed class president for all the years being in port. you have a great smile and an amazing personality. you were honest and determind and I don't think I'll ever meet someone quit like you. You will never be forgotten and you will always be smiling in my heart. Love you Pearll
    (R.I.P) <33333333333

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  34. I still cant fathom you being gone...at your service i kept waiting for you to pop up and say "hi guys it was a joke!" but at the same time i knew it was not going to happen. i wanted to touch you while you were laying there...but i couldnt get too close. i completly boke down. i met your family...you talked about me huh? i'm sorry we had to meet like that...babe, whose gunna help me in AP lit and AP stat?! whose gunna read shakesphere with me?? Whose gunna cheer me up in the mornings? i dread going back to school and facing yor emty seat...tha will never, ever be filled again...Jin Ju was one of the greatest people i knew. she was always laughing and smiling, always had something silly to say...and ever since sophmore year, she's helpe me with everything from school, to my personal life. Jin Ju, i dont know whati'm going to without you, my texting buddy...do me a favor babe, watch over me...and god almighty, i hope you're happy...but when i get up there, i'm gunna kick you're butt....then hug you and cry until my arms ache and there are no more tears left...I love you..and i'll never, ever forget you.

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  35. My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Jin Ju Family & Port Richmond H.S. Family on this very sad news. R.I.P Jin Ju

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  36. "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intellingent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

    This was Jinju. May she Rest in Peace.

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  37. This is all too surreal. When my teacher broke the news to us, I just sat there in shock. I thought about it long and hard, and I was like 'Jinju? No way, this is some mistake. It can't be.' Until it was comfirmed a second time by the principle on the loud speaker, I just kind of sat there in doubt. It hit me pretty hard. I just don't see why bad things happen to good people. Jinju was a beautiful girl. She was always so happy and she was always smiling. She was my gym partner last semester and we used to talk about everything. I used to really look forward to that class because I loved talking to her. She was such a strong-willed, determined girl. I loved how confident she was. She was definately a great rolemodel. This tragedy has left me a bit broken. I can't go long without it coming to my mind. Port Richmond will not be the same without her.

    R.I.P Jinju<3

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  38. I never met Jin Ju, but my daughters did. They knew her and loved who she was. They are extremely sad. Even though we don't live in New York anymore, the connection and feelings are there. As a parent we worry about our children constantly. I can't imagine what her parents are feeling right now and I never want to. What I do want to say is please, please, please children, if you have a problem or are not feeling good about yourself go to a friend, a teacher, someone, just don't give up. Don't give up your beautiful life and the beautiful future that you can make for yourself. Jin Ju should be an exmple. Remember how you felt when you found out about her departure and think abou how everyone that loves you will feel. There's always a way out, you just have to find it. I'm sure if any one of you went to Jin Ju with a problem she would have helped. We have to remember that and help each other and be a friend to one another so that maybe we can make a diference in someones life. May Jin Ju rest in peace and may her family be at peace.
    Remember, Love yourself and one another.
    Peace to you all.

    Magy Olivo
    Maria and Rebeccas mom.

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  39. well...what can i say i really didnt know jinju only met her a few times last year she hung out with justina nd she used 2 come to ms.zayas class when we had a sub..she was so beautiful nd her smile lit up the classroom she was so wise nd determined nd such an intelligent young lady...its so sad to noe that such a beautiful soul is no longer with us physically although she is with us spiritually and emotionally ...such a beautiful smile thats shine was greater then that of 1000 suns you will be missed ur memory will carry on as well as your sweet sweet smile you will always be remembered as the girl whos smile changed PRHS forever RIP Jinju

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  40. Jin Ju! That’s it? You’re gone in a blink of an eye. I feel so cold and lost. I always find myself thinking about you and all the good times we had. I know you had a bright future ahead of you and you could of done anything you wanted. You always seemed to understand me and make me smile. I will never forget all the good times we had, they will always be close to my heart. You always wanted everyone to be closer and make peace, well it seems like you got your wish. I still can't believe you won’t be next to me during English class or history class. Prom, graduation and the rest of senior year will feel so wrong without. Jin Ju please watch over us in heaven, even though your gone your spirit will always be with me.
    R.I.P
    Love Sabah Ahmed

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  41. Jinju was probably one of the most important parts of our school. I think her personality was glowing. She always had this smile, contagious smile maybe. I don't know.. I honestly didn't know her well, but now I wish I got to know her. The whole story of her death is a tragedy. It's so hard to imagine someone there one minute and gone the next. I feel for her, for her family, for her close friends. She'll forever be in port richmond's heart.<3
    RIP.

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  42. What I will always remember about Jinju is her great personality and that beautiful smile. Jinju was the most sweetest person I have ever met. It is still a shock for me and many people that your gone. I hope you will watch over us in heaven. We all miss you, your sweet personality, and your beautiful smile.
    R.I.P. Jinju
    Love, Anu

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  43. Hey guys I loved Jin Ju very much and I wrote everything that I wanted to say in a blog on myspace. If you want to request me as a friend and view my blog my myspace is alternativerox

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  44. i wish i've gotten to know you better,
    we had really small conversations, but i still remember them. We also shared so many interests. You've left the world so soon :(
    i wont feel the same going back to school.
    You were always helping out and were always smiling. the last time i saw you was when you entered my medtech class collecting canned food. I still cant believe that you're really gone but i guess you've found a better place in heaven. we all really miss you.
    rest in peace Jin Ju Kim.
    -Richard

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  45. i really can't believe jin ju is gone. we weren't close but now every moment i had with her has so much more of a deeper meaning. i now cherish each time she made me laugh and every random conversation we had. i wish it was all a joke and that i would see you again at school and know you better. but i know that isn't what is going to happen. port richmond will never be the same. i'm going to miss you jin ju. rest in paradise.

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  46. "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." William Butler Yeats
    As I lie awake another night saddened by the thought that we may never know what truly happened to our beloved friend Jin Ju, I am filled by the fire of her memory. I may never be able to sit with her again in my office but whom ever comes to sit with me I will be encouraged to speak to by her, I may never be able to see the light of her smile again, but whom ever sees me will be encouraged by my memory of her smile, she may never fulfill the rest of her dreams, but I will fulfill mine because of her. May your memories of Jin Ju light your fire as I will let them light mine. I will keep her in my thoughts with every student I meet, with every day I greet and I will cherish the memories of Jin Ju and all she brought to us at Port Richmond HS. Please visit me in my office and share your beautiful memories of Jin Ju. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those who were graced by her presence.

    Ms. Watkins, Gateway Guidance Counselor

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  47. Jin Ju Kim <3
    I miss her so much...

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  48. It has been years. I am going to start my summer internship tomorrow and I am going to do and try my best. I know Jin Ju is going to bless me from heaven.

    -Chia Chou Pan

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