Editorial

It’s not easy to say goodbye.

The community is somehow trying to comprehend the loss of Andre

Stewart, a bright shining star who faded too soon.

Andre was a record-setting force on the football field. He was a

friendly face in the halls of Newport Harbor High School.

But perhaps, most of all, he was a teenager on the cusp of adulthood

-- full of dreams, potential and a passion for life.

Before Andre was killed in a car accident Sunday, his coach and good

friend Jeff Brinkley had expected that the star running back would go on

to accomplish much.

Andre dreamed of becoming an electrical engineered. And he hoped to

play college football, fantasizing about being seen on television as he

made a game-winning touchdown.

Davidson Field, once Andre’s arena of victory, is now the site of his

memorial. It was where fans watched, spellbound by his graceful speed and

immense strength.

Schoolmates -- some of them only knew him by name -- have left

mournful messages. They tell him they love him. They say they will miss

him.

People have rallied around Andre’s family members, who are with heavy

hearts making funeral arrangements. Schoolmates, teachers and community

members shared their sadness and their memories on Wednesday at a service

at Newport Harbor.

The members of the football team -- who were like brothers to Andre --

have asked to honor his memory by retiring his No. 2 jersey.

Many other students are still in shock, struck speechless by the fact

that they will never see Andre again. It reminds them -- the carefree

teens who feel invincible -- of their own mortality.

A sudden death is always sadly startling -- it is even more so when

the life that has ended was one so important to others.

Andre was the running back that teammates depended upon. He was the

guy who could be counted on for a smile for friends, acquaintances and

strangers, alike. He was the football hero who made girls giggle when he

passed by.

He was vibrant -- even in photographs, his deep brown eyes dance with

joy. It’s difficult to look at his picture and realize that he is gone.

So don’t say goodbye, just yet. Remember Andre, his accomplishments,

his smile, his life and keep him in your hearts.