Pictured is a memorial for Koda Jarrett at Winfield Middle School. Koda was an eighth-grade student at Winfield Middle School and a member of the WMS Band.
The past few weeks have been a tragic time for the students and staff of Winfield Middle School. Koda Jarrett, an eighth grader at the school, and his mother, Brooke Carnefix, were shot and killed at their home in St. Albans on February 7. Markus Guy, 31, of Charleston, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The community is reeling from the news of this tragedy, which is the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
To honor Koda’s memory, the Winfield Middle School Band put on a memorial concert on Tuesday, February 13. Koda had been a trombone player in the band, having played since he was in the sixth grade.
“Koda was a wonderful part of the middle school band,” said John Shawler, band director. “He was an extremely active member and he always brought positivity to everyone he interacted with. His presence will continue to be missed at every rehearsal.”
Koda was also in the school choir, as well as a member of the Winfield Middle Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter. His dream in life was to become a pilot one day.
“Koda was a friend to all,” related Eliza Davis, choir teacher. “He was a kind student had had a very contagious smile. He was a talented musician and his gift of music will be missed.”
Several memorials to Koda have been set up in the halls of the school. These memorials feature bulletin boards covered with notes from fellow students, who expressed how important Koda had been in their lives and how he would be missed.
The school plans to plant a pink dogwood tree in memory of Koda. To raise money to purchase the tree, the Tech Ed class made special “Fly High, Koda” buttons, which students sold for $1. The buttons are pink, Koda’s favorite color, and feature a paper airplane design, reflecting his interest in aviation.
Winfield Middle School also plans to create an award in memory of Koda, which will be given to a Winfield student at an awards ceremony at the end of the year.
