The Back To School Edition
Mrs. Putman (English) - “I had the honor of having Will Fowler in my 11th grade English class last year. It didn’t take long to notice that Will Fowler had a presence. God-given presence. He commanded respect in everything he did because of the exceptional role model he consistently set. I’m not sure he ever realized how much the students looked up to him. Not once did I ever hear him say he was tired, not once did I ever see him waste time, not once did he do less than his best (and with a smile). Will Fowler was a champion. One thing I always loved about Will was his gift for only saying what needed to be said. His smile is forever etched in my memory, and I am forever grateful for him helping me rediscover my love for Star Wars and insisting I watch Mandalorian. I will never forget Will Fowler.” We commemorate Will Fowler and pray for his family and friends. If you would like to give your condolences to his family, they request donations to be directed towards Cullman High School Band Boosters in his honor. Mrs. Greenlee (Science teacher) - “Will was one of the most precious young men I have ever had the honor of teaching. I looked forward to him coming to class each day. I enjoyed our talks about science and about our shared love for Star Wars and Grogu. He made such a positive impact on my career and my life outlook. I consider myself blessed that my life was touched by him. It seems so unfair in human terms that we have to go through our days without him now, but the angels celebrated as he came home. It brings me great joy to think of him enjoy-
ing Heaven.” Mrs. Skinner (Choir director) “I had the pleasure of teaching Will in Music Appreciation at CMS. I distinctly remember the day that they turned in their first writing assignment that year. I came home and told my husband that I had never read a more eloquently written paper than Will’s. He was a brilliant kid and so very well-spoken. I enjoyed having him in class, and I loved watching him excel in music in the years following my class. He was an incredibly kind person, and even in facing difficulties that most of us could never even dream of, he did it without complaint. He is greatly missed by so many.” Skye Mcrea (Senior) - “Well you can see one of our beloved friends has earned his wings. He never complained, always was nice, and very smart.” Mr. Goble (Science teacher) “Will’s positive attitude helped create a productive classroom climate.” There is no doubt that Will Fowler impacted hundreds of lives--not only in the Cullman City school’s band program but also on the campuses where he interacted with teachers and students. Will Fowler has left a legacy of perserverance, kindness, and integrity for all to follow. May he rest in peace
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....Not once did I ever hear him say he was tired, not once did I ever see him waste time, not once did he do less than his best (and with a smile).”-Mrs. Danna Putman
“.....He was never upset
and just happy to be there, wherever it may be.”Claude Thomas
A Tribute to Will Fowler
Mrs. Bean (CMS Band director) - “Will Fowler was an outstanding student who never let his physical challenges stop him from achieving his goals. Will would always greet everyone with a smile and made the most of each day. His determination and drive to succeed will remain an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Will used to love to race his wheelchair around the middle school band room whenever he had enough space. I can picture him with a big smile on his face flying all around up above us with his new wings! Our band family was blessed to know Will Fowler and will be practicing a little harder to make him proud.”
Claude Thomas (Senior) - “Will was a great friend of mine and my first friend in Alabama. He was never upset and just happy to be there, wherever it may be: on the field in the burning practices, under the Friday night lights, through rainstorms, the stands, and winning competitions with the band! He was always there and with a smile on his face and happy to be there. He makes me want to be a better person.”
From a fellow Bearcat
Warren Kelley (Senior) - “He was a good person loved by many, a good friend, and he had such a great impact on people. We grew up together and went to St. Pauls, face-timed, and talked about Star Wars.”
THE NEWSPAPER OF CULLMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Staff Writers, Angelina Hughes & Jordan Nash
William “Will” George Fowler was born to Jana and Jason Fowler on October 29, 2003; Will passed away on August 17, 2021. He grew up attending St. Paul’s Lutheran School, where he obtained a passion for music and touched the hearts of everyone he met. He also excelled in his academics and achieved the honor of becoming a member of The National Honor Society. Will to pursued his passion for music as he played in Cullman High School’s band for four years. Through the years he had earned himself the role of being the percussion front ensemble section leader. Following the band motto, “Early is on time and on time is late,” Will committed to his goal of achieving perfect attendance despite the many challenges he faced. Will suffered from muscular dystrophy and was wheelchairbound. In spite of this, he never complained about his circumstances and was known to always keep an upbeat attitude. Anyone that knew Will would also know he was a Star Wars fanatic. Between playing in a band and being a fervent Star Wars fan, Will taught us what it means to be a Bearcat. Our fellow Bearcats give testimony to Will’s impact on their lives:
The Hilight
Volume LXXXVII Issue I September 23, 2021 510 13th St. Cullman, AL 35055