Envisioning a sea of blue and black ribbons in school, Student Council president and senior Sophie Yarosh hopes staff member Shawn Mathews will feel a wave of support following the passing of her husband, Wayzata police officer William Mathews.

According to a Hennepin County police report Officer Mathews allegedly was killed in the line of duty by a distracted driver Sept. 8.

“We’re going to (give out ribbons) in honor of Shawn Mathews and her family, and Officer Mathews to show support,” Yarosh said.

Yarosh said she hopes these events will create a welcoming environment for Mathews when she returns to school.

“It’s important to show support as a community to help Shawn through this difficult time,” Yarosh said.

Student Council adviser Sarah Lindenberg said the ribbons’ colors represent a fallen officer.

“The black and blue ribbons are the colors (of the) fallen police officer flag and what that commemorates,” Lindenberg said. “The colors are part of that flag.”

Senior Sabrina Garcia said the ribbons will remind students to drive safely.

“It’s important to wear the ribbons to honor Officer Mathews,” Garcia said. “It shows if you’re driving you should pay attention to the road.”

Lindenberg said the Park community consistently supports those in need.

“I think when someone is hurting in the community of St. Louis Park the students and staff are really good about trying to show support,” Lindenberg said.

Lindenberg said a blood drive honoring the Mathews family will also occur.

“We happened to have a blood drive scheduled and coming up, so we decided to put that in memory of Officer Mathews,” Lindenberg said.

Senior Brenden Donahue said the blood drive is an impactful way to commemorate Officer Mathews.

“(The blood drive) is a great idea to (remember) Officer Mathews and honor his name,” Donahue said.

Yarosh said it is important for students and community members to support each other.

“I think (the commemoration) also helps a lot of teachers in the building who were close to that family and maybe knew Officer Mathews,” Yarosh said. “I think it’s important as a community that we show support in times of tragedy and sadness.”