The Lawrence schools community is deeply saddened by the loss of one of its members, 18-year-old Leonel Rondon, in the series of gas-related accidents that struck multiple Merrimack Valley communities yesterday.
A Lawrence Public Schools student throughout his life, Leo attended the Oliver School, UP Oliver Academy, Lawrence High School and most recently Phoenix, remaining enrolled at Phoenix Charter Lawrence Academy when it converted from a district to charter school for 2018-19.
Staff and students knew him as an outgoing, light-hearted, hands-on learner who particularly loved science and excelled in biology and math. He had just begun his junior year at Phoenix after a successful 2017-18, and teachers recall his drive to graduate as a model to classmates.
He will be greatly missed both in school and at home, and his family, friends and loved ones are in the thoughts of everyone throughout the Phoenix network and Lawrence Public Schools. Grief counseling, coordinated by Phoenix and Lawrence High School staff, is being provided at Phoenix and will remain available in the coming days.
