By Emmy Benton, News Editor

Hearts drawn on paper: These symbols are what math teacher Eric Gusler says are one of the things he’ll remember most about freshman Ersi Shabanaj. 

These illustrations became the tangible hearts of students, teachers and staff members that broke after hearing news of the unexpected passing of Shabanaj on Saturday. 

Shabanaj and her family moved to the Outer Banks from Albania less than three months ago in hopes of a better life. The 15-year-old quickly adjusted to her new home and made many friends, one of whom was freshman Vada-Lyn Clark. 

“We just kind of started talking,” said Clark, who sat next to Shabanaj in third-period Introduction to Publications and welcomed Ersi into her lunch group. “I introduced her to some of my friends, and since we had Mr. Hanf’s class every day, we talked every day.”

Shabanaj was described by many as a student with a friendly character who always wore a smile on her face, qualities that her cousin, FFMS eighth-grader Keit Lokaj, will miss most about her. She witnessed Shabanaj’s joyful personality first hand, describing her as more of a sister than a cousin.

“She was such a kind soul, great energy, anyone would love her,” Lokaj said. “She was always in a good mood, gave people hugs, and made everyone smile and laugh.”

Clark witnessed this same genuine happiness. She noted that she will never forget Shabanaj’s kind character and cheerful laugh.

“She was the kind of person that you could bounce jokes back and forth with,” Clark said. “The way she talked was innocent in a sense. Not in the fact that she didn’t know anything, but more in the fact that she saw the world unclouded.”

Shabanaj’s personality was described by her guidance counselor, Beth Garrett, in one word: “Awesome.” 

Her teachers saw this same happy personality and love for life that fit right into the First Flight community. They were surprised at how well she adapted to her new environment, making friends right away and doing well in her classes. 

“Very kind, very bright,” Gusler said. “She just got here a few months ago and she started to fit in very quickly.”

Ian Godwin, her English teacher, echoed similar sentiments.

“She was always very pleasant. She was always one of the first people in class, always said ‘Good morning,’ ” Godwin said. “She was such a great student, a really special kid.” 

Her kind nature was just one of the things that made people want to be around her. 

According to her obituary, she was “always the life of the party and could pull a smile out of anyone in the room.”

Shabanaj died Saturday evening when she was attempting to cross the bypass on foot and was hit by a car. The accident took place in Nags Head and police said no charges are expected to be filed. A celebration of life was held at Gallop Funeral Services and another memorial gathering took place at the Glenmere Beach Access on Monday. Her family, friends, teachers and members of the community all gathered to pay their respects to her loved ones. 

A GoFundMe created for the funeral expenses quickly amassed more than $30,000 less than 24 hours after being created, and it’s still growing. More than 300 individuals and businesses have contributed to the fund to help Shabanaj’s family lay her to rest.

Lokaj said the family is grateful for the support the community has provided during this difficult time.

“I’m so happy and thankful for everyone that helped out,” Lokaj said. 

Lokaj is relieved to know that her family will have an easier time with funeral expenses, especially since they will lay Shabanaj to rest near her childhood home in Albania. 

“Ersi’s home was Albania,” Lokaj said. “The money will go for her body to be transferred to her home so she can be buried.”

Garrett and Principal Chuck Lansing went around to Shabanaj’s classes on Monday to speak with her classmates about the grief process. They also wanted to remind students that there are people at school to talk to them about whatever they may be feeling, both in the immediate aftermath of Shabanaj’s death or in the weeks ahead.

“Grief is a marathon. It’s not a sprint,” Garrett noted. 

Lansing wants to ensure students know that the adults at school are here for them to talk to, and that their feelings are valid. 

“Take time to meet with us and talk to us and form relationships the same way you do with your friends because we do care about everyone here,” Lansing said. 

Godwin, like many, have found a tragedy such as this hard to believe. 

“I’m still in shock, still in disbelief. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I still feel like this is somehow beyond reality, just kind of surreal,” Godwin said. “Still kind of processing it. My heart is absolutely broken for her parents. I can’t even imagine.”

Gusler feels the same way. He says that he’s still in shock, but wants to ensure that her memory will never be forgotten.

“She had warmth and kindness and I just want to extend that in her memory,” Gusler said. “Just know that a smile can make a difference.” 

Lokaj is heartbroken over the loss of her cousin, but knows that her endearing personality will live on. 

“Ersi was the glue to our family and she left a big impact on all of us,” Lokaj said. “She will be missed by all of us.”

Junior Emmy Benton can be reached at 23bentonem58@daretolearn.org.