FORT WAYNE, IN — Following the sudden death of a Snider High School marching band member, marching bands from across Allen County came together on Tuesday to celebrate his memory.
Donovan Cammalleri, a sophomore at Snider, died unexpectedly on July 16. According to his obituary, his two hobbies were marching band and Boy Scouts.
Chad Hissong, Snider’s principal, delivered a public statement a few days following his death.
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the news of the unexpected passing of one of our students, Donovan Cammalleri, a current 10th grader.
Donovan was a vibrant and dedicated member of our school community. He was an enthusiastic participant in the marching band, where his energy and spirit touched many. He was also deeply engaged in our engineering program, showing a passion for innovation and learning that inspired his peers and teachers alike.
This loss is profound, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Cammalleri and Follo family, friends, teachers, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Counseling and support services are available for students and staff who may need them during this difficult time. We encourage anyone in need to reach out to our school counselors.
We will share information about memorial services and ways to honor Donovan in the coming days.
Let us come together as a community to support one another and keep Donovan’s memory alive through kindness, compassion, and unity.Snider High School Principal Chad Hissong
In reaction, many Allen County schools dressed in black and gold to support Donovan, and an Instagram page dedicated to Hoosier marching bands encouraged groups around Indiana to do the same on Tuesday.
Jason Witzigreuter, associate director of bands at Homestead, said the kids came up with the idea to wear black and gold, and he was pleased to see their act of compassion.
“We kind of talk about the concept of family, especially since we spend so much time together, and then when we hear something horrible like what occurred at Snider, we try to talk to the kids about it and bring them together. “Some are friends with people from other bands,” Witzigreuter explained. “The youngsters select for themselves what they want to do at that moment. Our kids were great and decided to do the gold and black in honor of Snider and Donovan’s deaths.”
Witzigreuter told WANE 15 that Donovan’s parents were also at Homestead’s practice on Tuesday and thanked them for their support.
While Witzigreuter realizes how devastating instances like Donovan’s death may be, he hopes that his students and everyone else will come away with a deeper appreciation and love for one another.
“Love each other. Be there for one another. Take care of one other at all times, and remember that we’re always here for each other, and enjoy this adventure together,” Witzigreuter remarked. “Donovan’s parents said the same thing to our kids: to just have a great season and enjoy every moment of it.”
A GoFundMe* page has also been set up with the goal of creating a marching band scholarship in Donovan’s name. The scholarship will be awarded to a Snider marching band student in need of financial aid.
*WANE.com does not guarantee that the funds or gifts deposited into the account will be used for the benefit of the named beneficiaries. If you are considering making a donation, you should speak with your own advisors and proceed at your own risk.
