Edward Sugimoto: Jeremy's stay was not long here in Hawaii, but I'm sure he touched many, many people nonetheless, including me. He was a late arrival at Niu Valley Intermediate School here in Hawaii, where I was the Class President. Being the "new kid" in town, he was somewhat passive initially but he soon became very vocal and active. He joined us late in student government, but because of his strong vocal and leadership skills, we created a special position for him called "8th Grade Representative". He was soon taking on many projects and responsibilities and some may argue that he became the class president by year's end! =)

I remember those awful, red aloha shirts that he was pictured wearing with Tyler Dierks at a band function in Hawaii Kai. I hope I don't have that red thing anymore! ;) I think he played the trumpet right along side of me. I will always remember Jeremy as a kind-hearted, gentle giant (he "matured" a lot faster than us 8th graders back then). While our encounter was brief, I hope I that I have somehow contributed to his memory and his legacy. Mahalo and take care big 'guy!