Costa remembers Ford Savela with memorial plaque

Students and staff are coming together to memorialize late senior Ford Savela through two ceremonies
this month. The events will serve as permanent tributes to his remarkable life, and opportunities for the community to pay tribute to Savela.

The first event took place on Monday at 3pm at the Grand View Elementary Garden, where Ford spent his elementary school years. The second will be held at Costa on June 9th, at 4:45 near Room 111.

“I think it was a very nice touch placing the plaque in the same place Ford used to eat,” said Senior Jack Krikorian. “I also don’t think anyone ever forgets their elementary school days, so getting recognition at your elementary school is perfect.”

The upcoming tribute at Costa will consist of the planting of a Western Redbud tree, followed by the unveiling of a memorial plaque in Savela’s honor. The tree and plaque will be placed in the area where students enjoy their Costa remembers Ford Savela with memorial plaque lunch, making the spot a meaningful
memorial for all of the people Savela impacted in his life.

“This space, now marked with a tree that has heart-shaped leaves and blossoms each spring,” said Principal Jennifer Huynh, “will be a lasting tribute to Ford’s presence, spirit, and the friendships he cherished.”

In addition to the memorial plaque,the city is taking action to prevent further accidents from reccuring going forward. After the death of two high school seniors on the same road due to drunk driving, a new sign titled “Don’t Drink and Drive” was installed on Sepulveda Boulevard near both crashes. It was placed as a visible reminder to those unaware of the dangers behind such acts.

“I am very against drunk driving and I think it’s a very good idea that they placed that sign there,” said Krikorian. “It probably won’t do much, but it’s the least they can do to prevent it if no one’s gonna listen to the law.”

At Grand View, families and friends have gathered to keep the spirit of Savela alive by leaving behind flowers, photos, and tributes in his honor. It will turn into a permanent spot of remembrance for the entire community.

“To me the Grand View Memorial shows how loved Ford was by everybody, and how good of a person he has
always been,” Krikorian said.

The event organized by Grand View was available to the public, not just friends and family. The unveiling of
the plaque at Costa is open to the entire community as well, and students and staff are encouraged to attend the ceremony next week.

“I think it’s important for other students to attend memorials even if you don’t know the person for multiple reasons,” said Krikorian. “One of them is just trying to get an understanding of the type of person they were so you’re able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and empathize with their situation. Even if you do not feel the same.”