PHOTOSInside Gianna Bryant’s Memorial Service — 'It's Important To Cry'
Vanessa Bryant’s late daughter, Gianna, is being remembered by her school, Harbor Day in Newport Beach. On Wednesday, February 5, the educational institution hosted a memorial in the late 13-year-old’s honor. Last month, Gianna and her father, Kobe, were among the nine victims that died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
For the ceremony, which was hosted inside of the school’s gym, there was a bouquet of heart-shaped balloons. There was also a flower arrangement in the shape of the number two that signified the teenager’s jersey number.
Harbor Day Student Council’s shared touching words about Gianna’s determination to make the world a better place.
“In the 7th grade when she said she’d run for student council I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to hear and see what she would do to help elevate our student population. We gave her one assignment and she ran with it as quickly and as eagerly as anyone I’ve ever seen. Gianna was an amazing leader in our student council. We will always remember her will to make things better and to strive for excellence,” the student council faculty advisor said.
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In another video, a group of 6th and 7th graders sang a rendition of Maroon 5’s “Memories.” Singer Adam Levine, who is the lead singer of the pop rock band, reposted the touching video to social media.
“It’s important to cry. It’s important to sing. It’s important to love so hard and hold on so tightly for as long as we can. Now more than ever. #GIRLDAD,” he wrote as his caption.
Before wrapping up the ceremony, Gianna’s jersey was officially retired. “Today we honor as a student and as an athlete. As a coach, we always want to find and coach students who are committed, dedicated and passionate about a sport. Gianna was all of these. She was determined to learn everything she could about the sport of basketball and worked as hard as possible to develop her basketball skills,” a faculty member said.
Later on, Vanessa paid tribute to Gianna with a photo of the memorial service. “My Gianna,” the 37-year-old wrote. “God, I miss you. I’ve been so lucky to have woken up to see your gorgeous face and amazing smile for 13 years. Wish it would’ve been until my last breath.”
