In recent weeks, members of the community have gathered together to remember the passing of Caidyn Harrington and the recent loss of June Fletcher. Harrington was a member of the Thompson High School baseball program who died in May 2024, while Fletcher was a pillar of the Pelham community who passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30.

These events have united communities under the banners of both grief and celebration, honoring the legacies of two people who led different lives yet equally impacted the communities around them.

When covering these events, we recognize that the power of Shelby County is in its tight-knit communities.

Harrington was honored during the inaugural Caidyn Harrington Night at Thompson High School on Tuesday, March 4 before the Warriors’ matchup with the visiting Hoover Buccaneers.

Fletcher, meanwhile, was honored at a Pelham City Council meeting on Monday, March 3, with a proclamation read in her honor.

Whether it’s Pelham or Alabaster, Chelsea or Calera and everywhere in between, Shelby County is a place that honors and reveres its people. Because we are not the largest county in the state, the ability to have intentional moments honoring those we have lost becomes that much more prevalent and common.

While it is deeply tragic and unquestionably difficult, there is something inherently beautiful about seeing communities come together and carve out time to remember those gone too soon.

Jack Harrington, Caidyn’s father, reflected on the moment during his son’s ceremony.

“This was beautiful. I hate it, but it’s beautiful,” Harrington said. “The Thompson family, not just the baseball family, but the whole community, really, has been amazing.”

Pelham City Council President Maurice Mercer noted the large crowd at a meeting, who all showed up to honor Fletcher.

“I’ve heard the mayor read a lot of proclamations, and there’s normally not this many people,” Mercer said. “So, I think that speaks to her life and how she touched each one of you who wanted to be here this evening.”

In life and in death, Shelby County is filled with communities that exist to celebrate each other.