CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Bearcat family is mourning the loss of beloved senior Will Fowler. The son of Jason and Jana Fowler, Will was an inspiration and joy to all who knew him. He loved being a member of the Bearcat band and was section leader of the band’s front ensemble. Fellow band members were informed by Director of bands Christopher Smith in an early morning meeting of the passing of their friend. Smith, “Will Fowler was one of the most amazing students that I have ever had the honor of teaching. His work ethic, positive attitude, determination, and compassion for others were unparalleled. He was everything you would want out of a band student. I will miss him every day and I will strive to be the kind of person that he was. His example will live on in the Cullman Band forever.”
Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall release a statement Wednesday morning stating:
“Our family is in mourning today as we learn of the untimely passing of beloved senior Will Fowler. Will was a stalwart member of our Bearcat band, had a kind heart and was loved by everyone at Cullman High School. The lessons we have learned from Will are those of perseverance, dedication, kindness and commitment. He prided himself in his role as a Bearcat band member and Cullman High School scholar and, was committed to achieving perfect attendance in spite of the many challenges he faced. His life and memory stand as an inspiration for us all, as we should all try to live like Will, every day. He will be deeply missed.”
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff also released a statement:
“The Cullman High School student body and faculty, as well as the entire Cullman City School System family, are grieving the loss of a classmate and model student. School counselors, mental health specialists and local pastors are on the campus of Cullman High today to support students and employees. In this most difficult time, we want to be certain to respect the privacy of the family and loved ones.”
The Cullman Tribune has reached out to Christopher Smith and Assistant Band Director Doug Teuscher and will provide statements when they are available.
Former front ensemble section leader and 2021 graduate of Cullman High School Karlie Patterson said of her friend and bandmate, “As Will’s former section leader and as a friend, the news of his passing was very unexpected and saddening. I enjoyed every moment I had performing with Will as a member of the front ensemble section. From stand tunes to the show, he was a remarkable musician and a wonderful person to be around. Despite his handicap, he worked harder than anyone I knew. He always stayed late to load the trailer and was usually one of the last to leave alongside me. He always showed up with a good attitude and left with one too. All of these things have made me and others admire him for his character and for who he was as a person. I remember being very happy and proud when he was announced section leader after me. My thoughts go out to his family and members of the band during this difficult time.”
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