Design by Brianna Fisher
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She was literally just a little ball of energy; there just isn’t another way to describe her. She never failed to light up the room or to make someone laugh.
she always had the biggest smile on her face. “One time we were at Pasquale’s, and she decided to ask for an extra plate so that she could open the parmesan cheese and dump the entire thing on her plate,” freshman Lexi Sealy said. “I forced her to eat it with a spoon because it was so disgusting to see her eating it with her fingers, no matter how much she loved it.” Jaime always made it a priority to get to know people, especially her teachers. She was able to open up and state her opinion without embarrassing anyone in the process. Her easygoing mentality allowed her to easily make friends and bond with people. “My relationship with most of my students is very personal. Besides being their teacher and their instructor, I work with becoming friendly with them as well,” DECA teacher Mitchell Albert said. “It came very naturally for Jaime and I. I knew her grandmother, who used to be the secretary at our front office, so I made an attempt to get to know her at the beginning, and it just blossomed from there.” After arriving at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Jaime became very involved with DECA, an international
association that prepares high school students for the workforce in business. Jaime was in the finance class and regularly attended their field trips, including the trips to Disney World and the Miami Heat’s court. Jaime also qualified to attend Florida DECA CDC, a statewide competition, which took place from March 1-4. “At DECA States, the organization gave out four scholarships to DECA students in honor of the four victims that were involved with DECA, including Jaime,” sophomore Hannah Levine said. “It is really heartwarming to know that she continues to help people and leave an amazing legacy.” Jaime was very passionate about trying her hardest at any task. As a straight-A student, Jaime was motivated and determined to achieve her goals. She never gave up and always encouraged others to work hard so that they could succeed. “Jaime was very genuine. You run into all types of people in high school and with her, she probably wanted to get to know you, and she wanted to share her thoughts and dreams with you,” Albert said. “Everything she did she went for. She did her best with her DECA competition
and always did her best with her dance competitions. She did her best with her work, and for a freshman, it was a little unique because not all freshman do their best since they think they are just a freshman.” Many people also classify Jaime as outgoing. She was always the first person to crack a joke, and she never stopped making people laugh. “I know everyone says it, but Jaime was really the funniest person and the life of the party, and she always wanted to make sure that others were put before herself,” Sealy said. “I don’t think that you can find a lot of people these days with that quality.” In the future, Jaime wanted to become a pediatric physical therapist to be able to help children with limb deformities. While Jaime was working toward that goal, she volunteered with organizations, such as the Friendship Initiative, helping out those with disabilities. Jaime also worked with children with special needs through dance and fitness classes and was a member of the Best Buddies club at MSD. “I just want everyone to know that Jaime was so much more than just an image plastered on the news because she
was so kind, and she would even help her neighbor who had a disability,” Goldfarb said. “She spent a lot of time helping others and was just an all-around great girl.” Jaime has left a lasting impact, not only on her friends, but also on people around the world. Even in hard times, Jaime was able to look on the bright side and find a positive aspect to focus on. “Jaime impacted my life, and I don’t know if she even realized it. That’s the type of person she was, though; she couldn’t not impact your life,” Luckman said. “Even when she was complaining about something, she still found the good in it. She always knew how to make you smile.” Jaime looked at a situation with a glass half full type of attitude. Her confident outlook on life transferred positive energy to any room that she walked into. Jaime’s love for her family and friends and her passion for dance will always be remembered and cherished by those who were close to her. Jaime will forever be in the hearts of the people whose lives she has impacted so greatly. Story by Brianna Fisher; photos courtesy of Lyndsey Sponder and Jennifer Guttenberg
In Memorium • Jamie Guttenberg 11
