June 30, 2006

Gone but not forgotten

A year after the Hunt’s tragedy

By Jeffrey Lo
Times Columnist

July 1st and 4th will mark the one-year anniversaries of the deaths of my two friends and former classmates Torrienne and Tristine Hunt.

Throughout the year, we’ve been reminded of the car accident that took the two from us. Torrienne’s jersey was retired during halftime at the final basketball game of the season. The pair was also honored at the closing track and field meet. Their parents were given standing ovations at the end of both events – and rightfully so.

Torrienne was a fellow member of the Cougar basketball team, bunkmate at Camp Everytown and my tablemate in Mrs. Williams’ 6th period French 2 class. He never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face – and we needed those smiles to get us through the numerous tests we’d struggle through. During the two years of heated Battle of the Schools rehearsals, Torrienne became Humanities’ resident Global Economy pet. We were all convinced that he was trying to sabotage us. When the HU officers couldn’t find their dancers rehearsing, they’d search no further than the Simplicianos’ foosball table where we would play with none other than “T.”

Tristine was always in the corner of the theatre’s stage sketching her characters. She was a fellow thespian, who auditioned for Mr. Griffin’s production of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.” Mr. Griffin gave her a shot at the role of Vera and he uncovered a diamond in the rough. I met Tristine through Camp Everytown. We were in the same discussion group. Although that was the first time I’d ever talked to her, I had no problem opening up to her. She was also a cashier at the school lunch line. Every time – and every time was many times – I’d forget to bring my ID card up to the lunch line, but I always knew that my favorite cashier would be patient as I grabbed my ID card out of my wallet. My favorite cashier was Tristine.

Their deaths opened the whole school’s eyes. They made us realize that we’re not invincible. In the year since their deaths we’ve watched two more fellow students – Jorge Triejo and Nico Susoev – leave us. In celebration of their lives, I’ve collected messages from the ones that loved Torrienne and Tristine Hunt.


“Torrienne and Tristine, it's been a year and you are still teaching us how to love and appreciate others, how to be better people, and most importantly, that we are not as invincible as we'd like to think. You are both greatly missed.”

-Michelle Nguyen


"Even though it's been a year, it feels like it was just yesterday that I was graduating and walking across the stage with Torrienne. It's crazy how life can take two very special people away from us so quickly. I

hope they know how much we miss them."

-Niki Harms


“Torrienne, I miss those random visits. You've been missed so much around here that even my PS2 controller seeks your attention. This 2-pointer is for a great neighbor. This 3-pointer is for a great friend. This winning game is for the man with a big heart. Torrienne Hunt, thank your sharing your smiles and joys.”

-Alex Simpliciano


“Torrienne, you are one of the most sincere and genuine people that I have ever known. I remember always seeing you with a smile and laughing with everyone you came in touch with. I miss seeing you around and just being about to say "What’s up." You're a good man. I miss you”

-Elrick Orfanel


“Torrienne, we never got to make our tin-can telephones. Even so, we still talk in my dreams. Tristine, sweetie, I miss your amazing strength and spirit, which you hid behind that shy, knowing smile. I miss the random visits- the door is always open, don't be strangers. Thank you for the advice, the laughs, the strolls in the park, and the love. You've changed me.”

-Charlotte Simpliciano


“Tristine, physically you're not here anymore, but it's undeniable that you're beautiful spirit still lives on. In those times we ate lunch together, you redefined the terms humility and kindness for me. I don't think their will ever be a person more beautiful than you. Thank you. Thank you for your love and gentleness. Thank you for changing my life.”

-Tatiana Reyes


“Tristine is someone who left a handprint on my heart. Many will never forget the way she left us, but I will remember the way she lived. The girl who would say hi to strangers, who said "sorry" even after I bumped into her, the shy thing that came out of her shell when the spotlight hit her, and a girl who was steadfast to her faith, family, and ambitions. Although I reminisce on those qualities, Tristine hasn't left me at all--when I set foot upon the stage, a part of her is there with me watching me do what we both love so much. “

-Missy Harter


"When I hear basketballs bounce I still think of you. When I see sketches I still know that you would have done it better. We're all missing out on so much without you, but there's comfort in knowing that somewhere up there, you're watching over us. Please know that even a year later, you're in my thoughts and prayers every single day.”

-Vanessa Snyder


“Even though it's been a year already, I can still feel my heart drop whenever I think about the call informing me that Tristine didn't make it. Tristine was one of the most dedicated, hard-working, caring, and genuine people I have met in my life. In The Odd Couple, she shined onstage with her witty one-liners and many people didn't know that it was through her persistence that the Drama department developed and was able to put on such a good production, as well as the ones that followed. I couldn't be more thankful that she shared a part of her short-lived life with me. Tristine Hunt was truly inspiring and I miss her so much.”

-Lydia Merriam-Pigg


“Torrienne we've never had that chance to ball and Tristine, we never got to study for SATs together, but I'll work on my skills and study harder. You guys were wonderful teammates, friends, and neighbors. Thanks for teaching me the values in life. Torrienne and Tristine, I dearly miss you guys.”

-Leland Simpliciano

I’m not going to lie; I didn’t spend the past 365 days thinking about the tragic events. I tried to move on. I lived my life without them but I lived it knowing that I’m not staying forever. I’m sure they wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.