Thompson Middle School pays tribute to fallen seventh-grader

ST. CHARLES – A St. Charles middle school is paying tribute to one of its students who died this week.

Thompson Middle School seventh-grader Cameron Pepera, 13, died Wednesday after suffering the effects of a pre-existing medical condition, Thompson Principal Tim Loversky said.

Pepera was taken to the hospital on Tuesday from a cross-country meet held at the middle school, St. Charles District 303 spokesman Jim Blaney said.

Teachers at the school on Thursday shared various memories they have of Pepera, Loversky said.

"Cameron was a hard-working boy and he really put all his effort into school," Loversky said.

Pepera also played basketball at the school, was an honor student and was the brother of a fifth-grade girl in the district.

Pepera's classmates began to leave different-colored sticky notes on and near his locker with messages such as "We will miss him" and "#CamStrong."

"Right now his locker is completely engulfed in sticky notes of love and respect and kindness," Loversky said. "It's been a neat tribute the students have created on their own."

Students in the district can speak to a teacher or any staff member to get support if they want to talk about Pepera or any other issue, Loversky said.

Students on Sept. 8 also will be able to sign large banners with messages for Pepera that will be given to his family, Loversky said.

Pepera's parents plan to attend a cross-country meet at the school, 705 W. Main St. on Sept. 8, he said.

The school has ordered red T-shirts for the meet with the hashtag phrase #CamStrong on them as well as red handbands in honor of Pepera's love for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Loversky said.

Loversky said that Pepera's parents are making plans for service arrangements, which had not been announced as of early Thursday afternoon.