School keeps Mackenzie Rooney's memory alive

For Kaitlin Dufresne, having the support of fellow students at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School has made all the difference.

On Aug. 6, 2012, her best friend, 16-year-old Mackenzie Rooney, was riding her dirt bike in Capreol with friends when she collided with a tree. She died of her injuries.

But the Bishop Alexander Carter school community is doing its best to ensure the teen is never forgotten.

Sporting toques in Mackenzie's favourite colour — pink — all 350 students at the school participated in a memorial fundraising walk for Mackenzie Oct. 29.

“Being her best friend, it was really hard losing her,” Dufresne said. “Knowing that everyone here cares so much about what's going on, it makes me feel so happy.”

The students, who walked from the Val Est Mall back to their school during the memorial event, are in the midst of trying to raise $20,000 for a bursary in Mackenzie's name.

Some of the funds will also go towards a memorial plaque planted at the school in the teen's memory, and to support the school's arts activities, which Mackenzie loved.

The students have been raising money for the cause by doing everything from collecting pledges door-to-door to selling donated pizzas and holding bake sales. So far they've raised about $15,000.

When Cassandra MacGregor was hired as Bishop Alexander Carter's principal this past fall, she said she realized she needed to honour Mackenzie's memory. She and her staff came up with the idea of the fundraising campaign.

She said although she never met the student, she believes her spirit lives on in the school. As a special reminder to staff, a piece of Mackenzie's artwork hangs in the main office.

Mackenzie's parents, Tammy and Dan Rooney, said they're touched that the school is raising money in their daughter's memory.

“It's one thing that Bishop has always been - it's a real home for the kids,” Tammy said.

“It is very small, but I think it also supports such a healthy environment, because everybody does know everybody ...

“She's no longer with us here, but the kids, they keep her alive. They make Dan and I laugh all the time. She's still touching everybody's lives and supporting the school she loved.”

Anyone interested in donating to the fundraising campaign is asked to contact Bishop Alexander Carter at 969-2212.