On the afternoon of December 9th in Menifee, under the serene California sky, a community united in remembrance and hope. The First Annual Memorial Walk in Honor of Clarissa Lewis, known as Rissa, was not only a tribute to a young life lost but also a rallying call for change and awareness in teen driving safety.
The walk, which began with heartfelt opening words from Mayor Bill Zimmerman, saw students, parents, and community members come together to honor Rissa, a cheerleader at Liberty High School who tragically lost her life in a car crash just shy of her 16th birthday.
What stood out to me, as a photographer, was the tangible sense of community spirit. This spirit was not only in the walk itself but also in the collaborative efforts by local organizations committed to making a difference.
Also in attendance was Corie Maue, the CEO of Teen Road to Safety, a local driving school,who has partnered with both the AJ Project and Rissa's Wings of Love, a foundation started in Rissa's memory by her mother, Jackelin Santana. These partnerships aim to tackle challenges such as street racing and promote comprehensive driving education for teens, addressing a crucial need in our community.
As the walk concluded, participants gathered at Mountain Mikes for pizza, where the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and reflection. The day was about more than just remembering Rissa; it was about coming together as a community to support each other and advocate for a cause that affects us all.
The poignant moment of reflection at the memorial site with roses and candlelight was particularly moving. It was followed by sharing hot cocoa, memories, and a united commitment to teen driving safety. Jackelin Santana's involvement with Rissa's Wings of Love was a testament to a mother's love turning grief into action.
For those interested in learning more about these community efforts, Clarissa's story, and driving safety initiatives, I encourage you to visit "Rissa's Wings of Love" on Instagram. There, you'll find information about the Memorial Walk, local driving school initiatives, and how you can contribute to making our roads safer.
Lend Frison
Principal Photographer
Frison & Co.
