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In November of 2022, Lindsey McCrory sent Emma an email inquiring about registering her daughter for our spring session at Memorial Lutheran School. Two months later, Blakely walked into our classroom for the first time, and hasn’t left our hearts since.

She was spunky and brave from the start, singing beautiful melodies and acting like a seasoned Broadway star. As we rehearsed scenes from The Lion King (with Blakely perfectly cast as the sassy and fearless Young Simba) she repeatedly asked Ms. Emma, “Why is my part so small?” and “When do I get to come on again?”

Ms. Emma chuckled, explaining that her part was very important, and that every student has about the same size role. Still, every week without fail, Blakely would repeat the question, yearning for more stage time, and not afraid to ask for it.

Blakely went on to attend season after season of Spotlight summer camps and after school classes, always filling the room with laughter and pizzaz in her own special Blakely way. She shined brightly while performing solos and scenes, but shined even brighter as a friend to others, on and off the stage. She was often seen buddying up with classmates who needed a little extra help, and cheering others on when they needed a little extra love. Her light was contagious, and her joy was limitless.

Although Blakely has left this earthly plane, her presence is felt every day. When a butterfly flutters past, when a song that she sang comes on, when the sun sets in swirls of glowing pink, we know Blakely is looking down on us, her heavenly voice still singing, serenading the angels.

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