RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) — Richmond Hill High School started their school day on Friday with a moment of silence, dedicated to 2014 graduate Sam Lilley.
First Officer Lilley was serving as co-pilot on the American Airlines flight when it crashed in Washington D.C. Wednesday night.
After graduating high school, Lilley went on to Georgia Southern University, studying marketing. He then pursued his career in aviation.
Looking back on their time with him at school, Assistant Principal Stacey Bennett and Coach Levi Sybert said that they are proud of all Lilley accomplished in life.
"He was always just super positive... a big smile and just kind of that breath of fresh air and positivity every day," Bennett said.
Coach Sybert said, "Just to see him laugh and cut up with the other guys is just kind of really a good part of it. He was never negative at all. I think that really the cool thing what with him coming out to the track with us, he was thirsty to try different things. He was definitely… he had like an exploration kind of mindset. He tried a bunch of stuff. He's really good to get along with... and hw was a good part of the actual group culture that we had."
Even 11 years out of high school, Sybert knew exactly who Sam was in a 2013 team photo.
He's been taking some time this week to reflect on how special Sam was as a student and athlete.
He said he was in disbelief when he heard the news of his passing.
"I was just kind of like dumbfounded, and it was just hard to believe what I was reading," Sybert said. "This is obviously a terrible tragedy, but I'm super proud of Sam that he went out there and really made something of his ability and his opportunities here in America. Not a lot of people take advantage of that."
Bennett added that students like Sam make him better as a teacher and a person overall.
"The students will teach you more about yourself... right, wrong or indifferent. The teachers that allow it'll help them grow." Bennet said.
Every person who has talked with News 3 this week has mentioned Lilley's faith.
Coastal Community Christian Church, where Lilley spent much of his childhood, made the following post on Facebook:
"Our hearts are heavy today as we grieve the loss of so many lives in the tragic midair collision that took place yesterday. Among those we mourn is Sam Lilley, a brother in Christ who has been a dear member of our church family since he was a kid. Sam’s presence brought kindness, friendship, and faith to so many, and his absence leaves a profound void in our hearts.
In this time of sorrow, we come together as a community of faith to lift up all the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We pray for strength for those who are grieving, for peace that surpasses understanding, and for God’s comforting embrace to surround them.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." – Matthew 5:4
As we remember Sam and all the lives lost, let us lean on one another and on the unshakable hope we have in Christ. We invite you to join us in prayer, in love, and in support for all who are walking through this season of loss. May God’s mercy and grace be upon us all."