Emilie Hissam, who had been hospitalized for over five weeks, dies at age 17
By Per Peterson
Tracy Area High School has lost one of its own.
Junior Emilie Hissam, a standout student who loved to draw, lost her battle with lung disease last Thursday evening — a little more than five weeks after being hospitalized.
She was 17. Emilie’s parents are Jeff and Stephanie Hissam. Her siblings are Hunter, a freshman at Tracy Area High School; Brandon, a 2018 TAHS graduate, Alicia Oren; and Addison, a fourth-grader at True Light Christian School in Marshall.
A post from Emilie’s father on her Caring Bridge site last Friday said that “After 38 long days our dear, sweet Emilie lost the battle against lung disease …”
Emilie’s teachers reacted Friday with sadness and spoke glowingly about their student.
FACS Teacher Kristy Campbell had Emilie in her Ramp Up group and FACS classes over the past few years.
“Emilie had a beautiful smile, was so kind to her classmates, showed grace and patience, always made delicious desserts for our Ramp Up potlucks, had a passion and talent for fashion and art, and she worked hard to do her best on every project,” said Campbell. “Emilie was a quiet role model to those around her. She will always have a special place in my heart, and knowing her made me a better person.”
See this week’s Headlight-Herald for more on this article.