Life is precious, and I think it is safe to say we all take it for granted once in a while. It’s when someone leaves our lives when we notice it the most. Saturday, September 21 will be a day we will remember not to take life for granted. Orrie Jirele, also known as O.J. passed away, which was a heartbreaking shock to all the people that knew him.

If you didn’t know Jirele, there is not one word to describe the man. He was inspiring, extraordinary, wise, caring and positive, only to name a few. He was also a substitute teacher at Albert Lea High School and always walked around the school with a smile on his face. Though I haven’t interviewed any students, it is evident that the impact he had on students was unique. He would stop students in the hallway to ask about their sporting event, choir concerts or anything he knew about them, and this was not just once, it was every time you saw him.

Jirele was a role model for people of any age, the type of person you hope to be someday. I just cannot explain enough the positive mark he left on people. My sympathy goes out to his family in this hard time. Though our hearts are heavy and eyes are wet, I hope we can soon reminisce on all of the joy the man brought into our lives. At ALHS, the ten minute speeches on advice about our future will always be remembered.

Last, yet definitely not least, thank you O.J. for being the person you were. I know you are up there cheering each and every one of us on.