Here are two memorials written about Mallory from different friends. Each of these people were friends of Mallory's in different aspects of  her life.

Mallory Rinn

By Aimee Large

         There was – and is – so much to say about Mallory. She was a great person and she was always smiling. On Wednesday, October 16, 2002, her friends, family, and classmates gathered together at Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School to remember her. From 4:00 – 7:00 people could come and meet with the family and look at pictures of Mallory. At 7:00 a memorial service was held for her. Father Jim led the service. Mallory’s closest friends, Meghan Demianiuk, Michelle Mentink, and Cary Voskuil, read letters and shared memories about their best friend, Mal. Rebecca Rinn, Mallory’s sister, and Abby Demianiuk put together a power point show of pictures and memories of her. While these pictures were being shared, the songs “Bouncing Off the Walls Again’ and “Please Remember” were playing.

          Mallory was involved in many sports, including basketball, cross country, track, and soccer. She was the starting point guard for basketball, wearing #21. She was also on the tournament team for basketball.

          Mallory was an outgoing, smart, talented, energetic, hyper, pretty girl who always knew how to cheer you up. There was no way when you were with Mallory you couldn’t have a good time. She was a great person inside and out. On October 11, at only age 14, Mallory left us, but everyone knows that she is in a much better place now, looking down at everyone and laughing at us, cheering us on in a game, or just watching us.

          They say “it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire lifetime to forget them. Mallory, we will NEVER forget you!

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A Memorial to Remember

By Amanda Santos & Sarah Shepard

          A beloved friend’s life was lost in a terrible semi crash on Friday, October 11, 2002. Her name was Mallory Rinn. Less than a week later, on Wednesday, the 16^th, friends and family gathered together at the Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School auditorium to honor her in their memories.

          This young ninth grader was very talented in many activities. She was a talented dancer and gymnast. Also, she excelled in cross country, basketball, and soccer, and was involved in many other school activities.

At the memorial service, teachers such as Mrs. Gee and Mrs. Gonwa shared wonderful memories of Mallory. One of the fond memories that Mrs. Gee shared was this story:

“Mallory was standing by my door grinning, so I told her to come in,” Mrs. Gee explained.

“I’m not feeling well; may I have a sucker?” Mallory asked.

“Sure. Go ahead,” Mrs. Gee replied.

The next day, Mallory was absent. When she returned to school the day after that, Mrs. Gee talked to her. “Mallory, I thought that sucker was supposed to make you feel better.”

“That one didn’t, but the next one will!”

There were a few friends who shared their feelings of love in a speech they wrote. One of the speeches included a very special letter that Meghan Demianiuk wrote to her for their graduation box.

At the very end of this memorial there was a power point presentation, and then food and visitation time with family and friends. The power point was of memories at home, school, dance, gymnastics, sports, and special events throughout Mallory’s life. There were many fun, yet sad, memories. We love you forever, Mal!

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And this message is from me.

I only had Mallory in class for one year. I was just her 8th grade science teacher. She wasn't even in my advisory section. And she wasn't a current student of mine this year. But I still think of Mallory as mine. She's still one of my students. She always will be. As so many others have expressed, Mal was an awesome person. Very athletic and talented, yes. And she was very intelligent, though she never really believed it. But what I remember most about Mal was how happy and energetic she was. Full of life, shining like a beacon. When Mal entered my classroom, she wasn't just a ray of sunshine. She WAS the sun. A star filling the room with light, emitting energy in all directions. One couldn't help noticing it - noticing her, and being lifted by her presence. Mal was always in a good mood. Always. No matter what may have been troubling her, she wore a smile. She laughed. She cheered up everyone around her, just by being herself. As a teacher, I'm supposed to influence my students. Make a positive impact on THEIR lives. Well, that's the impact Mal had on me. I was inspired by her - to be better than I was, to try harder to achieve my own goals, to be a positive person in all aspects of life. I never heard Mal say a negative word about anybody, and I really don't believe anyone could say anything negative about her. In fact, I can't say enough GOOD things about her. Mal was one of the best people I've ever known, or ever will know. Like her family and close friends, I'll never get over Mallory's death; I'll just have to learn to live with the loss. Mal, you were so special to so many people, in so many ways. Thank you for entering my life, and touching my heart and my soul the way you did. I will remember you forever. May you rest in peace.