Celebration of life hosted on beach pays heartfelt tribute to a beloved classmate

In the late afternoon on Aug. 22, as my friends and I staggered down a steep hill near Bonny Doon Beach, we spotted some of our classmates in the distance, with the melodies of songs by Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish echoing in the background. 

Those songs and everything that followed that night were in remembrance of our friend, senior Katherine “Katie” Schneider. A week earlier, we learned of her death at age 17. Authorities said she died in a solo car crash near Castle Rock State Park. She was reported missing on July 5 and a widespread search began shortly after. News of her disappearance and then her death, which was reported nationally, confirmed our worst fears.

When we arrived at the beach, we were greeted by the familiar faces of her older sister, Class of 2021 alumna Anna Schneider, and some of her closest friends. They were already setting up a candlelight vigil, carefully lighting each wick and placing it on a rock formation so that the wind wouldn’t blow the lights out.

On a blanket laid out by the rocks was a mound of flowers brought by attendees, alongside a scrapbook her best friends — Lena Aribi, Sabrina Manea, Anna Meier and Emily Overton — created, which honored the beautiful memories they shared with Katie. 

Later in the night, everyone gathered around the rocks to spend some quiet time looking into the distance, captivated by the glowing sun that dominated the sky that evening. It was a sunset unlike anyone had seen; tears were shed and hugs were shared as everyone stood on the beach next to one another taking in the breathtaking landscape.

“Her favorite thing to do was go to the beach at night,” Overton said, explaining why the ceremony was held at Bonny Doon Beach, a 45-minute drive from Saratoga. Overton recalled that Katie was excited anytime the beach was brought up and that she was always willing to go along for a day by the water.

Later, as stars illuminated every corner of the sky, attendees gathered around a firepit to observe moments of silence for Katie.

The ceremony ended with Katie’s best friends thanking everyone for taking the time to come out all the way last minute to the beach. The 50-plus attendees then went around the fire pit sharing their favorite memories about Katie, letting go of past sorrows and honoring the beauty of her life. Memories of her experiences in the Media Arts Program were shared by teachers Suzanne Herzman and Natasha Ritchie, as well as fellow classmates who remembered her as the quiet girl with a sweet personality.

Overton noted that Katie was quiet around most people. Although she was reserved, there was another side to Katie that others didn’t always see — the fun, bubbly person who would always make Overton and friends laugh to the point of tears. She recalled Katie having ambitious goals for herself in life. Her dream was to live in Australia and pursue cosmetology, Overton said.

For those who went, the memorial at Bonny Doon Beach was a beautiful tribute and a reminder of how much was lost with Katie’s  passing.