Tecumseh honors 8th-grade student who died of cancer, made big impact

“Collin leaves behind many classrooms of friends, including staff,” Tecumseh Middle School Principal Brian Dixon said.

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Collin was an inspiration to many in the Tecumseh community, his friend Jason Greear said.

“Collin has made a bigger impact on my life than anyone will ever know,” Geeear said “I wish I had half the fight he had.”

Greear is an actor who was invited to a fundraiser for the Griffin family. Greear was impressed immediately with the boy.

“He wasn’t feeling really well but felt obligated to come because the whole town was there for him,” Greear said. “I’ll never forget, I asked him, ‘Do you feel up for taking a little walk around the track?’ and right then I knew if somebody had a chance, it was him. He gave cancer a fight that it had never seen before.”

Many throughout Clark County started honoring the boy over the weekend by changing their profile pictures on Facebook to the Tecumseh logo. On a Facebook page #CollinStrong, people around the community and the country have posted their sympathies to his family and the school.

“In his limited time on earth, Collin did more good for mankind and humanity then most of us will in our entire lifetimes,” Dan Pamer wrote. “He inspired so many, his encouragement of others despite his own ailments. He stood up and fought for what was moral and right, not what was popular or trendy.”

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The school provided counselors for students on Sunday and they 0ffered counselors Monday for students who were impacted by the loss, the district said in a social media post.

Collin made a big impact on the school, Dixon said.

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“The entire district and community is grieving with this loss as well because of his participation in youth sports, including football, soccer, basketball and baseball,” Dixon said. “Collin had a huge smile that matched his outgoing personality. His kindness and courage will be his lasting legacy at Tecumseh.”