By Bonnie Culverhouse

Despite rain throughout the day, the sun peeked through the clouds as a huge crowd formed at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Webster Junior High School to release balloons in memory of a young lady that died in a house fire last week.

Calisha Whiting was just 12 years old one week ago Wednesday when a fire broke out in the early morning hours at the family’s Cadillac Street residence.

There were blue and white balloons, some that read “Princess” and some that were the number 12 and Forever 12 at the release ceremony.

Students, family, faculty and friends gathered in front of the school, along with Minden Fire Department firefighters and chiefs who fought the blaze, Minden Police officers and Minden Mayor Nick Cox.

“Hold your friends close,” one woman said, as she addressed Calisha’s fellow students. “You never know when it will be the last time.”

Amid prayers by the Webster Junior High principal and others, Calisha’s softball coaches talked about her time as a player and a student. Her teammates posed with her framed jersey and a signed softball.

“She was so smart,” teacher Christina Chester said. “An honor student. She never thought about herself; she just wanted to help others.”

As they released balloons to a 3-2-1 countdown, the crowd shouted together: “Rest in peace, Calisha!”