On Friday, September 4, Stillman Valley High School was scheduled to host Richmond-Burton High School in a varsity football contest. The JV game was completed that evening, however, the varsity game was cancelled as word reached the high school that a serious car accident involving Stillman Valley students traveling to the contest had occurred.
The tragic end result was that Stillman Valley senior cheerleader Emily Fleming and the driver of the other car, lifelong Amboy native and Army veteran Andy Conderman, both lost their lives. Two other Stillman Valley cheerleaders were also injured in the crash.
As they try to move forward, Stillman Valley football head coach Mike Lalor and the school announced that they will wear the pictured helmet stickers beginning this weekend. Lalor’s wife Heather Lalor explained the meaning behind Emily’s memorial sticker, which reads “Flem’s Boys” and features a donut, along with the
Pay It Forward tribute to
Andy, which includes the Amboy “A”
(posted below with her approval):
“Last Thursday evening, several of our football boys visited Emily at Aeropostale in the mall where she worked. She laughed with them about how they smelled after practice! She then introduced them all to her co-workers as, "These are MY Stillman Valley football boys." Last Friday, the day she made her final journey, Emily Fleming chose to spend her gas money on "her Stillman Valley football boys" and bought them all donuts. Boy, how she loved her boys! From this point forward...our Stillman Valley football boys will be fondly referred to as "Flem's Boys."
It's incredibly special to have former football family relatives donate decals for our Stillman Valley football players and managers to honor Miss Emily Fleming & pay tribute to Andy Conderman and how philanthropically and positively he lived his life by Paying It Forward to those he crossed paths with. Although it was incredibly difficult to even ask, we are honored that Danna Flynn, Tim & family chose which decals the boys would wear. A beyond heartfelt thank you to Kole Bennett & GK Graphics for your incredible kindness during such a sad time. #FlemsBoys #PayItForward
GK Graphics in Byron also is helping to raise money for the families by selling the Stillman Strong decal below.
Area communities are rallying to support the families and schools, as Durand High School and Aquin High School announced they will hold a “Red out” at their Week 3 football game with proceeds from the 50/50 raffle benefiting the families.
