Saguaro High School holds vigil for student killed in northern Arizona crash
Adam and his girlfriend, Olivia Kalinowski, were involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near Holbrook on March 14. The crash killed Adam and four other people and severely injured Olivia and another person.
The two were on a ski trip for spring break, according to an online fundraiser organized by East Valley Firefighter Charities.
Adam was a first chair cellist in Saguaro's orchestra, ran track and competed in cycling competitions. He was set to graduate from the Math and Science Academy this May.
Saguaro High School hosted a vigil on the football field Wednesday evening, attended by hundreds of family members, friends, teachers, faculty and peers.
A string quintet, including Saguaro orchestra teacher, Robert Reyes, played while people found their seats in the stands, and a cello propped up on an empty folding chair sat to the right.
Despite the full stands, the event was quiet; people spoke in whispers and gave quiet applause at the end of speeches.
People who knew Adam shared memories and anecdotes about him. Friends talked about his intelligence and kindness. Teachers said Adam was bright and wholly dedicated to all of his endeavors, in and outside the classroom.
Robert Reyes, Adam's orchestra teacher for seven years, spoke about the time they completed in a bike race in Tucson.
"I remember crossing the finish line in a pack of riders I didn't know two hours after Adam did. What stood out to me, and I'll forever remember about that day was seeing a familiar friendly face at the finish line with a hug and a handshake. It was Adam," he said. "Students are always looking for praise and approval from their teachers, but that day, getting Adam's approval of my race results meant the world to me."
Friends from his time at Pueblo Elementary School, and friends he had made in recent months all spoke to his kindness and humility, noting his ability to make people feel seen, welcomed and appreciated.
During her remarks, Adam's language arts teacher, Angela Pantilione, recited a stream-of-consciousness essay Adam wrote as an assignment for her class: "Become the man you want to be, the best version of yourself. There is nothing you cannot do. Put your mind to it, and you can find great success, which might sound like a fortune from a Chinese restaurant, but you can hold more power than you think."
The Saguaro orchestra was leaving March 20 for a competition in Florida. Members said they were competing for Adam.
The night concluded with a candle lighting. The stadium lights were shut off the hundreds of candles illuminated faces of crying or otherwise somber members of the crowd. The string quintet played once more before a moment of silence.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the collision that killed Adam occurred in heavy traffic caused by detours from winter storm road closures. A preliminary investigation indicates a commercial truck and tractor trailer rear-ended a Cadillac Escalade, causing a chain reaction.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Saguaro High holds vigil for Adam Mychajliw, student killed in crash
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