School mourns death of senior
Superintendent: ‘Remember and celebrate her infectious smile, hardworking spirit’
Kutztown High School students and staff mourn the death of senior Kaci Kunkel, 18, of Kempton, who was killed in a one-vehicle accident in Lynn Township early Saturday morning, March 18.
“It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Kaci Kunkel, one of our 12th grade students,” wrote Kutztown Area School District Superintendent George F. Fiore in a letter to the community on Saturday. “Kaci died as a result of her injuries from a car accident this morning. For those of you who knew Kaci, we ask that you remember and celebrate her infectious smile and her hardworking spirit. For those of you who did not know Kaci, we ask that you respect our sadness and support us with your understanding.”
Fiore said the district is currently focused on assisting staff and students as they grieve the tragic loss of one of their students. The Berks County Flight Team are working with high school staff members to provide counseling and support to students on Monday, March 20. The Flight Team consists of psychologists, counselors, and administrators from around Berks County.
“She was a truly special young
lady. Her work ethic was outstanding. She carried two jobs, was a student at the Berks Career and Technology Center while attending Kutztown Area High School,” said Fiore.
In the letter, Fiore said there will also be counseling support for students at the Berks Career and Technology Centers as well as all Kutztown Area Schools. Students who need additional support are asked to contact their school counselor.
“I had the good fortune of knowing Kaci. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and teachers. On behalf of the Kutztown Area Board of Education, our entire school district, myself and my family, I would like to express our deepest condolences to all those affected by this loss. As a parent, there is no greater loss than that of losing a child. Our close-knit community will persevere by supporting one another,” said Fiore.
According to her obituary, www.legacy.com, Kaci, daughter of Jonathan Kunkel of Emmaus, and Shawna Kunkel of Kempton, was in the Rec-N-Power program at BCTC in Leesport. She was a hostess at Katie’s Family Restaurant, New Tripoli, and a farm hand at the Donamyc Dairy Farm in Kempton.
A Go Fund Me page, www.gofundme.com/kacikunkel, has been created in loving memory of Kaci.