PRESCOTT – The Prescott School Board at its meeting Wednesday, Feb. 15 observed a moment of silence to honor two students who died Friday, Feb. 10 in a crash in St. Paul.

The district has worked hard to help students and staff after the deaths of Ayden P. Nelson, 17, and Cadence Allen, 17, from injuries suffered in the crash. Two other students were also injured in the crash.

Superintendent Dr. Rick Spicuzza said the district has received a tremendous outpouring of support from nearby school districts and the community. Flowers adorned the board table and were placed throughout the Prescott High School Media Center, where the school board meetings are held.

“I’ve been sharing that we will heal together, and we need our strength today so that we can hope for tomorrow,” said Spicuzza.

The administrative team and counselors met the morning following the accident to figure out ways to help students and staff deal with the tragic loss.

“I could not be more proud of my administrative team. Our counselors have done an amazing job in a very difficult, tragic and critical time. The outpouring of support from districts and superintendents that have lent and shared personnel, counselors, that could be here,” he said.

Spicuzza said the district was in a difficult spot because of things being shared on social media. Much of that information the district can’t share, because of students’ privacy rights. Ultimately, though, he saw Prescott and the overall community come together to support students.

“I do continue to ask individuals to, out of respect for the families, that we give them their space to grieve as a family and provide the support and outreach when the time is right. It was a very, very tragic experience for our community,” Spicuzza said.