In Memory of Wysden Augustin

Wysden Augustin was a rising 8th grader at Explore Charter School.  He and his grandfather lost their lives due to injuries sustained in an apartment fire. Wysden's mother and grandmother are currently recovering in the hospital.  The PTO and Explore have collaborated to create a GoFundMe to help cover expenses from the funeral, hospital bills, and damages to their home and belongings. Please feel free to spread this GoFundMe information to your network so that we can support the family.


About Wysden 

“Wysden was the bright light of St. Francis. He came in everyone morning with a smile and always said ‘Good morning Ms. Guy, how are you today?’ He loved to read aloud with so much expression and character. He loved to talk about trains and one day being a conductor. He’d come into morning meeting on a day of a trip and say “Guys, we are taking the train today. I can’t wait! What time are we leaving?” I’d ask for homework to be on the desk, and he’d have his morning sandwich in one hand while looking for his homework in the other. Even when we didn’t see eye to eye, we would always talk it out.  He never held a grudge. He was special. Wysden was so full of life and just happy. His spirit was infectious and I’ll always remember that. He loved to dance and our class would always hype him up. I love you Wysden and you’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

“Wysden was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He started every single day with a smile on his face. Ready and eager to take on any assignment or challenge. He was the sweet soul of 7a reminding us all that a little kindness goes a long way. His bright smile and enchanting reading voice will be missed every single day.”


 “Wysden started every class the same way. He was the first in line at the door, waiting to greet me before I was even ready to receive students. He said “Good morning, Ms. Muñoz! Today is a great day!” every single day. To Wysden, everyday was a great day. To everyone he spoke to and every life he touched, he made our days great days. His joy and purity of spirit were rare to see in middle school. His exuberance and positivity were one in a million. Wysden was truly a ray of sunshine at Explore. He was so, so kind. He was helpful and thoughtful. He was so, so loved. It would have been a true joy to have him in my classroom again next year. He will be so, so missed.”


“The memory that came to my mind was the joy Wysden would bring every morning when coming to class and when leaving the class by saying good morning and goodbye to everyone. Also during the class, he would always have a smile when answering a question or talking to a partner. Wysden will be deeply missed while staying on our mind.”

“The amount of joy that Wysden brought to Explore everyday is immeasurable. Each morning, he brightened my day as he walked up to the gate with his big, infectious smile and a “good morning, Mr. C!”. His face lit up every time he answered one of Mr. Chaudry’s questions or spoke with a partner. The cheers he received after performing or being recognized at an assembly show the impact he had on all of us in just one short year at Explore. Wysden will be forever missed and remembered.”

“Gone from our sight but never our memories, gone from our touch but never our hearts.”

“I remember during a school assembly, Wysden won an award. When his name was called, he energetically rose from his seat to receive his award and his peers gave him a resounding applause. I personally was surprised because this was Wysden's first year at Explore; however, I quickly found out how endearing Wysden was to everyone. This is just one of numerous times this young King impacted us as a community.”


“Wysden was a beautiful soul. He was always eager to learn, problem-solve, and spread kindness to every single person he encountered. What I also loved about Wysden is how outspoken he would be in the face of adversity. He did not appreciate people being mean to him or others and always used his voice to advocate for all. He will be sorely missed.”
 
“I met Wysden officially when 7th grade came down for lunch while I was standing nearby as a lunch monitor. I usually talk with students while they were waiting for food; Wysden hugged me immediately and I remember us smiling so much when we spoke that day, I will never forget how sweet and friendly he was. I was always looking forward to seeing him since that day and I'm going to miss that next school year.”

 
Video of Wysden - Wysden Plays Drums