The middle school commemorated the one-year anniversary of the loss of a well-liked and accomplished student, according to middle school principal Les Bork.

Seventh grader Abdullahi Charif, 12, passed away March 1, 2014 after drowning during gym class, according to Bork.

Bork said students put together cards, made posters and engaged in class discussions to acknowledge the anniversary Feb. 27.

“It was really a marking point for us,” Bork said. “Our purpose was to honor Abdullahi’s life and acknowledge his death for our learning community, our school.”

According to communications manager Sara Thompson, extra counselors were made available to middle school students the week leading up to and the day of the anniversary.

Bork said many students took advantage of the support.

“We had students off and on all day access the services,” he said.

Bork said the support and activities offered an opportunity to reflect on Charif’s life.

“I think it’s another stage in the grief and healing process,” Bork said. “That is really what our intent was.”

Senior Nadia Mohamed said acknowledging the life and death of Charif is of great importance.

“It’s not something you can forget after a year,” Mohamed said. “I hope no one forgets.”

Bork said the formation of a group to deal with tragedy in the community is under way.

“A blue ribbon task force is being pulled together that is larger than just the people at St. Louis Park Middle School,” Bork said.

For now, Bork said what is most important is that no one forgets the incredible person Charif was.

“Abdullahi was a wonderful young man, a good student, well liked by teachers and by students, his peers alike, accomplished,” Bork said. “He loved to play basketball, that was his passion, and he’s missed by the community.”