Scott Barnstead told members of the Fannin County Marching Band “we are family” early Saturday afternoon as the band circled together on the practice field at the high school.
The band had just finished the final run through of the show it would present later that day at the Armuchee Band Invitational in Rome. Members were joined by several band parents, along with a handful of school officials and members of the community, to remember Josh Cheatham with words, prayers and a balloon release.
The 15-year-old member of the band’s drum line took his own life Thursday night, September 22. No one, including school officials or sheriff’s office investigators, has been able to determine a reason as to why.
Barnstead, who is director of bands, echoed many of the words written in a Facebook post to the band the evening before and signed by himself, Ben Barber and Donna Weaver. Barber is director of bands at the middle school band and Weaver is colorguard director.
The Friday post said, “Words cannot describe our sorrow today as we mourn the loss of one of our own. Josh Cheatham was loved by all for his pleasant smile, his can-do attitude, and his love for the band. He never failed to bring a smile to our face every day!
“Today has been a day of grieving and reflection for many as we all come to terms with this tragedy. It is our number one priority to ensure that everyone has a space to honor Josh.”
With those words, the band’s trip to the football game at Gordon Central Friday night was canceled, but the Saturday competition remained in its plans. The performance was dedicated to Cheatham’s memory as Barnstead told the members not to worry about mistakes, but to just put their hearts into the performance for Josh.
Several counselors were on hand at Fannin County High School Friday to help students and staff needing to talk about the situation.
In a letter to the Fannin school community, Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney and FCHS Principal Dr. Scott Ramsey wrote, “Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends and the entire school community as we work through this tragic loss together.”
That letter encouraged parents and guardians to contact their child’s school if the child needed additional assistance to work through his or her grief.