BULLARD, Texas — Bullard Independent School District is mourning the loss of a student.
According to BISD, Emma Sikes, a sophomore at Bullard High School, died on Saturday.
A fundraising page set up for Sikes' family says she passed following a car crash on Friday.
The district released the following statement regarding Sikes' passing:
Dear Bullard ISD Family:
I am deeply saddened to inform you that one of our students, Emma Sikes, passed away earlier today. Emma was a bright young lady and extremely involved student. Currently a sophomore here at Bullard High School, Emma took advanced coursework, was an active member of the band where she was the first chair flute in the concert band, and was a member of the Bullard HS Key and Spanish clubs. Emma was also an extremely involved member of the Bullard HS FFA chapter showing pigs, was on the leadership and judging teams, and as a freshman advanced to state competition in farm business management. We ask that you keep Emma’s family, friends, and teachers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Students and staff may react to this tragedy in different ways, expressing their feelings in response to the loss of one of their fellow students. Our counselors will be available beginning on Monday to provide support for students and staff. Should students or staff want to visit with a counselor, please contact the school and arrangements will be made.
We encourage you to also talk with your child as it is important for students to express their feelings to trusted adults and loved ones. Traumatic events such as a sudden loss can trigger severe emotional responses that may require additional counseling support. If your child is exhibiting any of the following signs, please contact a school counselor, school administrator, or therapist:
• Restlessness, nervous behavior
• Trouble concentrating (for many days/weeks after the incident)
• Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares (for extended periods after the incident)
• Fear of being alone
• Repeatedly asking questions
• Concentrating/re-living previous losses and/or tragic events
• Change in eating or sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in activities that he or she previously found pleasure in doing
• Significant changes in grades
If changes in your child’s behavior or personality concern you, please contact the school to speak with your child’s school counselor. We want to ensure to the greatest degree possible that every student receives the support and assistance he or she needs to cope with this tragedy. Please do not hesitate to seek our support. Together we will help and care for one another as we move through this difficult time.
No loss is easy. Loss of a young student is even more difficult. As a district, our number one concern will always be the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, and I know that the entire Bullard community shares in caring for our students. On behalf of the entire Bullard ISD family, I thank you for your support.
We ask that you please keep Emma and her family, as well as all our students and staff, in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jack Lee
Superintendent
To donate to the family, click here.
