The Connection

The parking lot of Trinity Presbyterian Church was overflowing this past Sunday, so much so that police officers were on the scene guiding people to parking spots. It seemed as though the whole town had gathered at the church to remember three bright individuals. Herndon was struck by a tragedy Friday morning, Aug. 7, when three recent Herndon High School graduates were killed in a car accident in Texas. Kyle Mathers, 19, Dale Neibaur, 19, and Holly Novak, 18, were beloved members of the Herndon community, which gathered together at the church to hold a vigil for the teenagers.

Mathers, Neibaur, and Novak were a part of The Pride of Herndon Marching Band, and the band played a large role in the service. Members of The Pride brought refreshments and also performed favorite pieces of the three former musicians, as well as a hauntingly beautiful flute melody that Novak had been composing.

Kevin DiCicco, 19, one of the survivors of the car accident spoke to the attendees at the vigil via a video conference call, recounting the tale of what happened on that early Friday morning. Hearing DiCicco speak was reportedly “reassuring,” and “moving,” according to some attendees. “It’s not fair that this had to happen to them; they didn’t deserve it. They were the nicest people in the world […] with so many people that loved them,” DiCicco said of his friends. “Whether you believe in heaven or whatever you believe in, they’re okay now. They’re not in any pain, and they’re loved…even beyond life they’re still loved.” Words cannot describe the level of grief in the room while he spoke of the accident. Following DiCicco’s speaking was a powerful slideshow.

Novak, Mathers and Neibaur were role models for their friends and within The Pride. “The coolest thing about these three people is that they would always come into school at seven in the morning for all four years, and just crack jokes and be happy,” said Dylan Van Viersen, who had been friends with Neibaur since kindergarten. “They didn’t care about what anyone else thought…they lived their lives the way they wanted to, and that’s what made them so courageous.”

The vigil attracted more than just the close friends of the deceased and The Pride; hundreds were in attendance. “It was a beautiful ceremony,” said Jake Carll, longtime classmate of Neibaur and Mathers. “Seeing how everyone is paying their respects – it’s great,” Carll said, in regards to the huge turnout for the vigil. “It’s weird because there are people who didn’t know them who are here for them,” Van Viersen noted.

Although it’s a sad time for Herndon and The Pride, it’s also a time they reminisce on the great contributions of Holly, Dale and Kyle. As Herndon High School’s trademark rock in the front lawn reads: Holly, Kyle, Dale: You are THE PRIDE.

Hannah Galbraith, 18, is still in the ICU in Dallas. DiCicco and her loved ones are asking all for prayers towards her recovery. Updates on Galbraith’s health can be found on the Facebook page “Prayers and Support for Hannah.”