MARBLEHEAD — A heartfelt proposal to install a memorial bench in honor of Savannah Gatchell was presented at Marblehead’s recent School Committee meeting.
The proposal for the bench received unanimous support this week as residents, educators, and friends came together to preserve her memory in a meaningful way.
Tragically, Gatchell’s life was cut short on Aug. 20. At approximately 2:51 a.m., Marblehead Police and Fire responded to a motor vehicle crash near 352 Atlantic Ave.
Despite a swift emergency response, Gatchell — only 13 years old — suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her loss has deeply shaken the Marblehead community, leaving family, friends, classmates, and neighbors grieving a bright young life taken far too soon.
The proposal was presented by Elloree Jennings, a longtime Marblehead resident, educator, dance teacher, choreographer, coach, and mentor to countless children across the community.
Jennings, who has spent nearly five decades in Marblehead, spoke emotionally about her connection to local students and her desire to create a space where Gatchell’s friends and future generations could reflect, gather, and remember her bright spirit.
“I’ve always gone into each school day as an advocate for these kids,” Jennings shared during the meeting. “When this tragedy occurred, I felt I needed to do something, something that showed how loved Savannah was and how deeply her loss has impacted our community.”
The proposed bench will be installed near the Veterans school’s entrance beside two trees where students often gather in the mornings, a spot that Jennings described as both symbolic and serene. The placement was chosen so friends and classmates would have a comforting place to sit, talk, and feel connected to Gatchell.
Jennings also read moving tributes written by Gatchell’s friends, heartbreaking reflections that illuminated the depth of Gatchell’s kindness, humor, and presence in their lives. One friend shared memories of walking to school together, laughing in their yards, and imagining their futures side by side. Another recalled how Gatchell helped her feel welcome as a new METCO student, describing her as “a bright, funny, gorgeous girl… You will always be in my heart.”
“These are 13-year-old girls who lost their best friend,” Jennings said. “It has rocked the community in a big way.”
In a powerful demonstration of unity, the bench has already been fully funded through contributions from multiple Marblehead schools — including Glover, Brown, Village, MVMS, and MHS — along with an anonymous donor who supplied the remaining amount.
Jennings emphasized the outpouring of support as proof of how deeply Gatchell touched those around her.
“It’s pretty amazing. Like, you ask for something, and we can do hard things,” she said. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but the community stepped up instantly.”
The inscription planned for the bench will read: “Donated by the Marblehead community in loving memory of Savannah.”
In a follow-up interview, Jennings reflected on the journey from idea to approval and why this project means so much to her personally.
Jennings shared that she knew Gatchell from the middle school and remembered her as “a tough nut to crack” in the best way — often in her room for snacks and surrounded by friends. Their connection, and her relationships with Gatchell’s friends, made the tragedy feel especially personal.
After Gatchell’s death, Jennings initially found herself slipping into anger and blame, a natural reaction to such a senseless loss. But over time, she came to feel that the best way forward was not to focus on punishment, but on education and positive example.
She explained that rather than “harp on the negative” or get stuck in the blame game, the community needs to educate young people and model responsible, compassionate behavior. She hopes the bench will be part of that effort — a symbol of remembrance, but also of care, awareness, and community responsibility.
Jennings recalled that once she began fundraising and shared the project with key community members, the response was immediate and overwhelming:
Within hours — not even a full day — the remainder of the cost was paid in full by an anonymous donor. She called it a “really special” moment that reaffirmed how much the community cared about honoring Gatchell.
Getting the bench approved was not simple. Because it will be placed on school property, Jennings and her supporters had to navigate a careful approval process.
She expressed deep gratitude for Superintendent John Robidoux, praising him as “incredible” and saying the community is “so lucky” to have his leadership. With his guidance, she revised and refined the proposal to ensure it met all requirements, and it received the School Committee’s unanimous support.
She said it had been “a long time coming,” and that the day after the vote “was a really good day at school.”
Installation of the bench is expected to move forward soon, with hopes of having it in place and ready for an official unveiling after winter break. Jennings anticipates a small ceremony, complete with an unveiling and ribbon cutting, to formally dedicate the bench in Gatchell’s memory.
The School Committee ultimately voted 4-0 to approve the bench, reflecting broad support for the project and appreciation for Jennings’ persistence, thoughtfulness, and compassion.
As Jennings shared, one of Gatchell’s friends said it best: “In the years to come, students will be able to walk by, see Savannah’s name, and remember her. In that way, her light will continue to shine in the place she spent so much of her time — among friends, laughter, and community.”
Jennings spoke to what she hopes the bench will represent: “For years to come, people can come and see her name, and she’ll always be remembered.”
