AUBURN — In early January, the St. Dom’s Community was saddened by the news of a beloved student and his father who perished in a tragic car accident. Casey Cloutier, 14, and his father Ghislain “Gus,” 49, were on their way to a junior varsity hockey tournament when this occurred.

The sudden loss of a friend, teammate and student was a shock to everyone. During this difficult time, the St. Dom’s community pulled together to offer support for the Cloutier family. A group of parents, spearheaded by parent Jeanne Donovan, created over 700 ribbons to sell during the Lewiston-St. Dom’s Hockey Game on Jan. 3. The ribbons sold for $2 and all proceeds went to the Cloutier family. Others set up a page on youcaring.com to allow people to make donations to the Cloutier family.

Condolences and support poured in from outside the St. Dom’s family. Several neighboring schools including Lewiston High School, Edward Little High School, Cheverus High School, Dirigo High School, Messalonskee High School as well as many local businesses sent cards, donations and/or flower arrangements to the school.

The St. Dom’s JV hockey team forfeited the Holiday Tourney on the day that Casey and his father passed, but despite St. Dom’s absence the other competitors held a moment of silence before the championship game. Similarly, a moment of silence was held before the following varsity hockey game, and all St. Dom’s players are wearing Casey’s number 14 on their helmets. Girls cheering for Lewiston Schools showed their support by wearing black and white ribbons in their hair.

“It is tragic times like these that brings out the best in people. It warms my heart that our greater community is coming together and being supportive during this difficult time,” said St. Dom’s President Donald Fournier.

?Although Casey just enrolled at St. Dom’s in August, he was well liked by all. A memory wall set up for students to remember Casey is overflowing with messages from friends, teachers, teammates, coaches and family. Over 120 students and staff attended Casey and Gus’s funeral in Winthrop on Jan. 6.

A memorial Mass was held at St. Dom’s on Jan. 7 to pay tribute to the Cloutier family. “From the moment you walked through the doors last fall, you became part of the St. Dom’s family. And you always will be,” said Principal Joline Girouard to the Cloutier family after Mass. Over $830 was collected during Mass, all of which will go directly to the Cloutier family.

Efforts to sell bracelets in memory of Casey are also underway by the ninth-grade class. Donations in the name of the Cloutier family can be sent to Saint Dominic Academy, 121 Gracelawn Road, Auburn 04210.